Thrawn Enters the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Book 3 of Thrawn MCU series)

by NaldMoney

Chapter 1: Prologue

Summary:

Thanos gives The Other permission to lead an arnada against Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Seventh Fleet in order to enter the Earth's orbit and search for the Infinity Stones.

Notes:

In the final installment of the Thrawn Enters the MCU trilogy Thrawn teams up with the Guardians of the Galaxy to defeat the Celestial Ego and Thanos's right hand man the Other who has amassed a large armada of Grysk warships to steal the Reality Stone from Emperor Palpatine and search for the Mind and Time Stones on Earth.

"The beings of this dimension were not the cowardly wretches that Gravik and his Skrulls promised. The fact that these beings of Earth are under the Chiss Ascendancy's protection angers me even more Thanos." The Other stated

Thanos stood up from his throne and walked towards the bridge of his flagship staring at the Earth more closely.

"To challenge them directly would be unwise. However our forces have inside knowledge of the inner workings of the military force working alongside the Chiss. Let me lead our forces in battle against this Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'Nuruodo." The Other requested

"Fine. You're request is granted. When your done wiping out this Grand Admiral's forces continue the search for the Infinity Stones. I know for a fact the Mind, Time and Reality Stones are on Earth.*

"Yes Thanos." The Other replied bowing before him before leaving to take command of the Gryssks.

Admiral Ar'alani of the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet heard this transmission as her fleet entered Earth's dimension where Thrawn was located. She needed former Imperial officer and Ensign of the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet Eli Vanto to not only warn Thrawn about this threat but find a way to defeat the Other's forces and to delay Thanos's search for the stones.

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Summary:

Thrawn takes on a daunting challenge to save his TIR Defender Project.

Fisk was aware Thrawn wanted to kill him for his outburst against Karen. So he contacted his source within Project Stardust the former Imperial Military Tribunal leader Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine asking for a miracle.

"Don't worry Wilson you don't need to owe me anything. Undermining Thrawn to save your skin will be my pleasure after Thrawn ruined my career almost 5 years ago." Valentina replied with a deviously chipper demeanor

Fisk knew Thrawn's tactical brilliance was unparalleled and that attempting to avoid Thrawn's attempts to kill him would fail. As useful as Dex was he was unstable which Fisk knew Thrawn would exploit. So Fisk was forced to exploit Thrawn's only weakness to succeed...his inability to understand politics.

****

"Your TIE Defender program is at risk. Orson Krennic has been persuasive towards the Imperial Ruling Council to divert your TIE Defender funding to complete his own superweapon project...Stardust." Chief High Governor Tarkin informed Thrawn via Holo Net

Thrawn was perplexed by this news.

"The Emperor communicated with me personally his satisfaction with the attack on the Daily Bulletin orchestrated by my Imperial asset Wilson Fisk and the subsequent capture of Rebel General Hera Syndulla that resulted from the Bulletin attack. He was so satisfied that he promised that only my project would receive additional funding from the ruling council." Thrawn challenged

"In my view Director Krennic's project has been nothing but excuses and delays for years on end. If the funding for the expansion of your TIE Defender Project is going to continue you'll have to make your case before the Emperor himself. I have already arranged the meeting." Tarkin advised

"I'll leave immediately Moff Tarkin." Thrawn replied determined to address the issue

"Commodore Faro inform Ruhk that he's to postpone the execution of his special assignment and to follow Governor Pryce's orders. Inform Governor Pryce that I'm departing for London Coruscant as soon as you have your course make the jump into hyperspace." Thrawn ordered

Commodore Faro was nervous curious about the timing when victory over the New York/Lothal Rebels and their vigilante accomplice Daredevil was so close. She also wondered why at this particular moment in time Project TIE Defender's finances were being threatened by Director Krennic. She had a suspicion Fisk was behind all this so that he didn't have to deal with Thrawn.

Wilson Fisk was a mixed bag to Commander Faro. As useful and intelligent as he was for Thrawn's operations Faro disliked Fisk's vanity. It overshadowed any conversations Faro heard between the Grand Admiral and Fisk making their partnership polite in some cases and painfully strained in others. In addition to Fisk's vanity was his ego and lack of respect for Imperial military members. Faro was offended that Fisk took advantage of Thrawn's politeness to treat the Grand Admiral like an asset when Fisk was the asset.

Faro appreciated Thrawn for his vision, tactical brilliance and professional guidance. She had come a long way in her own development as an Imperial officer under Thrawn's mentorship. Navigating the growing presence of both the criminal underworld and vigilante activities in New York/Lothal was overwhelming at first. But Thrawn constantly asked questions that changed how Faro solved problems and completed tasks. Soon she understood why Fisk's orchestration of the Bulletin attack led to a tactical advantage for Thrawn against General Hera Syndulla and her Squadron. Thrawn's Socratic methods of teaching allowed Faro to organize all of Thrawn's military personnel in the 7th fleet accordingly in anticipation of Syndulla's attack to great success.

What bothered Faro though was Fisk's lack of control over his personal assassin Special Agent Ben Poindexter. Poindexter was psychologically unstable with a background of unorthodox training from a mutated Clone War veteran known as Crosshair. According to Imperial files Crosshair was also mentally unstable but unlike his former mentor Poindexter's record was sealed due to politics. A figure in Military Intelligence with connections protected Dex so that he could join their ranks. Faro hated Imperial politics because it created unethical dilemmas that hamstrung Thrawn. Dex's unstable nature led to civilian deaths at the Bulletin. Grand Admiral Thrawn explicitly told Fisk no civilian deaths only relatively minor injuries to the reporters. Fisk refusing to take this warning seriously and Dex's obsessively violent tendencies made Faro want to shout at the two of them herself.

Fisk and Poindexter were just as bad as Governor Pryce. Pryce's obsessions with approval ratings and perception amongst the New York/Lothal populace got on Faro's nerves. She was curious how Thrawn put up with her over all these years. How Thrawn could accept such disrespect and mistreatment despite all of his accomplishments. Thrawn was the fastest Imperial Academy graduate to reach the rank of Captain. Achieving that rank in a mere handful of years after graduation. Faro herself had been in the military for almost 15 years and achieved the rank of Commodore two ranks above Captain a couple of years ago. It was unfortunate Thrawn's military genius wasn't appreciated by everyone in the Empire but Faro hoped Thrawn was successful in preserving the funding for Project TIE Defender.

They were above London Coruscant airspace but Tarkin told Thrawn across emergency channels he couldn't land there. He needed to go to Mexican airspace specifically above Yucatan. The reason for the inefficient route was to protect Project Stardust from potential security breaches. There were security breaches caused by a Rogue group of Skulls a year and a half ago that created paranoia amongst high ranking Imperials connected to Stardust Tarkin included.

Grand Admiral Balani Saviit would be hosting the meeting on his flagship of the 2nd Fleet the Firedrake. Saviit received it as a gift from the Imperial Ruling Council after his previous flagship was severely damaged in a campaign against a feared pirate gang from another dimension called the Ravagers. The Ravagers were led by Yondu Udonta known for his aggressive tactical approach and his powerful Yakka arrow for ground level combat situations. Thrawn entered a small shuttle from the loading dock of his flagship the Chimera placing Commodore Faro in command of the flagship and the Seventh Fleet until his return.

Unlike Faro Thrawn cared little for Governor Pryce's petty obsession with approval ratings or Fisk's vain ambitions. He cared less for politics which he feared is the reason for what seemed to him to be a charade. Thrawn's fears were erased upon seeing a Holo Net image of the Emperor after undergoing a thorough screening by Saviit's Death Troopers. The Emperor's image stood above a fancy Holo Net display of Saviit's on his airship's bridge. The Emperor though a hologram on the airship looked down at all the Imperials leaders present before him with bored contempt but the fear of everyone in the room.

Thrawn was confident he could demonstrate the value of the TIE Defender before these Imperial elites with the Emperor present. Thrawn knew how obsessed the Emperor was with victory and how the Emperor values results to that end. Thrawn spent his entire time within the Empire delivering those results. Daredevil's despondent state and fugitive status along with General Hera Syndulla's capture and destruction of her squadron was proof of that. Though Thrawn's confidence was shaken by momentary confusion.

The usual suspects were present at this meeting regarding the funding for Project TIE Defender. There was recently demoted Governor Marion James who was the Deputy Director of ISB / CIA but lost that title when her branch of the Empire failed to stop Rebel spy Cassian Andor from killing two valuable Imperial assets Billy "Jigsaw" Russo and his lover Dr. Krista Dumont. James was now the Governor of the Delicron region which included the city of Yucatan. James's former superior Director Orson Krennic the head of Project Stardust was present. The source of Thrawn's confusion was standing next to Krennic. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Thrawn wondered what she was doing here after being forced to resign from the Imperial Military Tribunal. There was a young woman of Indian American ethnicity who Thrawn later learned was Mel Valentina's assistant. She stood next to Valentina and looked overwhelmed by the high ranking Imperial figures in the room. Tarkin rounded out the group but he was staring vehemently at Krennic and Krennic returned the same amount of contempt with his own bitter glare at Tarkin. Saviit told his personal Death Trooper detail to wait outside the meeting room.

"Well gentleman and ladies thank you for gathering here to discuss two urgent matters. First mynocks have plagued the supply chain for Project Stardust that starts in Hawaii and ends in the African continent. This supply chain is critical to ensuring the completion of Stardust which has been undergoing construction for more than two decades," Tarkin paused glaring at Krennic again who frowned as his face went red, "therefore a solution needs to be in place to eliminate these Mynocks. Secondly Grand Admiral Thrawn's TIE Defender Project is at risk due to a funding issue. Krennic has taken TIE Defender funds without authorization as a way to initiate a new route for the supply chain and ignore the Mynock issue."

"It's not just an issue High Governor Tarkin! These vermin are attacking supply ships to siphon energy from them. The airships end up crashing to the surface after the crew flees via escape pod. All the equipment on these supply ships to finish Stardust turns to scrap. We have to deal with this now because it's disrupting traffic and commerce in my region!" Governor James complained

"Pricesly why Contessa Valentina Krennic's chief of staff for Project Stardust proposed something of a wager. A way to prove Grand Admiral Thrawn's intellect amongst an elite audience that would validate his defenses for maintaining the funding for Project Stardust. Eliminate all the mynocks that are attacking the supply airships and your funding for the TIE Defender is restored. Fail and the funding goes to Project Stardust so that Krennic can reorient the supply chain for Stardust along a different route."

"How much time do I have to solve this problem?" Thrawn asked

"Five days." Krennic said in a gruff voice dripping with resentment

"My assistant Mel estimates there's over 1.5 million mynocks attacking the thousands of supply ships. Even generous estimates state it would take you 3 to 6 weeks to do. You're a tactical genius so I'd bet large sums of credits you can do it in 3 weeks. But 5 days? That's a tall task." Valentina said with mock concern that Thrawn didn't pick up on

"Precisely why this challenge shouldn't happen. There's no way that Thrawn can exterminate all the mynocks in 5 days." Saviit interrupted

"If Thrawn is this tactical genius which I think is a load of hyperspit then he should prove it! Tarkin is too scared to accept this challenge on behalf of Thrawn so he had to warn Thrawn and run to the Emperor to protect him!" Krennic shouted with disgust

"You are an incompetent fool that is in way over his head. You're an engineer Krennic. Everyone else at this table has extensive experience leading combat missions except you. The fact Stardust still isn't finished when you started the project over 20 years ago is shameful." Tarkin retorted in a dismissive tone

"Enough!" The Emperor interjected

Everyone immediately stopped talking and stared at him realizing he was in the room. The ultimate authority reasserted his presence and even Valentina's mocking smile directed at Thrawn vanished.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn do you wish to find some other means to prove that you at the head of Project TIE Defender are as valuable as Director Krennic the head of Project Stardust?" The Emperor asked like a kind teacher sticking up for a bullied student

"No your excellency. I'm confident that I can solve Krennic and Valentina's challenge thus restoring the funding for my TIE Defender Project." Thrawn replied confident unaware of the trap he just walked into

"Fine. With that settled I can now move on to more important matters. Meeting adjourned." The Emperor said relieved the meeting was over

He gave Thrawn a bemused smile when he realized Thrawn was unaware of Valentina's recruitment of Wilson Fisk to attempt to set up Thrawn for failure by agreeing to this challenge. Emperor Palpatine had no interest in seeing whether Thrawn would wise up to Valentine's resentment of Thrawn for ruining her career. What intrigued Palpatine most was whether Thrawn would unearth the larger conspiracy and would it spark change in Thrawn's philosophical understanding of the Empire. Palpatine reasoned that if Thrawn failed that particular test he would face more severe consequences than a mere loss of military project funding.

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

Summary:

The Guardians of the Galaxy are rescued by Thrawn but their ship is forced to make a crash landing on Earth.

"What were you thinking!" Peter Quill shouted

"They were really easy to steal. The Sovereign are a bunch of dopes." Rocket argued

"That's your defense?" Gamora asked from the back

"Come on you saw how that High Priestess talked down to us! She treated us like the help." Rocket complained

He swerved their air ship in a violent motion as he attempted to avoid the torpodeo fire from the Sovereign's ships.

"We are the help. We were hired to destroy monsters that looked like bats from some strange planet that attacked their advanced battery station. So it's really stupid of Rocket to steal their advanced batteries that fueled the station." Peter criticized

"I'm not stupid Quill. I'm sending a message. I'm gonna prove it by killing all these airships in the Sovereign's fleet." Rocket boasted before he started screaming while firing the Guardians air ship's torpedos

Gamora rolled her eyes, "You're not killing anyone Rocket. The Sovereign's ships are remotely piloted."

"So we need to jump out of this dimension and into a neighboring one until the Sovereign give up their search for us. Though to pull that off someone would need to be one of the greatest pilots in the galaxy." Drax said

"Lucky for us I am!" Rocket and Peter both exclaimed at the same time

The two pilots fought over which direction to steer the ship and ignored Gamora's shouting about dropping the arguing and working together. Their ship was taking on heavy fire from Sovereign ships yet Rocket and Peter continued to argue. Drax was amused by the bickering while Nebula imprisoned in the cargo hold resigned herself to death by idiotic morons.

However a strange intergalactic anomaly took place that ended the shouting match between Peter and Rocket. Rocket saw a massive airship with a Chimera on the bottom use the anamoly to destroy most of the Sovereign Fleet. Through an advanced eye scope on his navigation screen Rocket saw a tall blue man was in command of the ship. It was a Chiss officer wearing a white uniform and gold trim. He was from the neighboring dimension ruled by an Empire that maintained control via their airships known as Star Destroyers. Before Rocket could explain all of this to the group their ship lost control and was heading towards an abandoned island with heavy green forests on the Pacific Ocean on Earth.

Chapter 4: Chapter 3

Summary:

Thrawn meets the Guardians of the Galaxy for the first time.

The Guardian's airship the Benatar took on heavy damage despite the rescue from the Imperial Star Destroyer with a Chimera. The uninhabited forest tree island in the Pacific was growing larger in view as the Benatar hurtled through a dimension portal towards the surface. Groot still the form of a toddler after his previous self died to save the Guardians a couple of years ago was comfortably eating Drax's bucket of candy. Rocket, Gamora and Drax were in various parts of the ship attempting to keep it steady but failing. Peter remained in the pilot seat grimacing as he realized the outcome he was most terrified about was going to happen.

"Groot put your seat belt on!" Peter warned

Groot immediately obeyed but then continued to eat the candy.

"Prepare for a really bad landing!" Peter screamed at the top of his lungs

At the moment the Benatar hit the forest scratching and tearing up the ship due to the long thick pointed branches of the trees that filled this forest. Birds of various and unique types scattered to avoid the destruction. The screeching the ship made when it scratched and banged against the trees was deafening. Drax unfortunately was hitting the trees at full force due to being tied on a bungee cord to the outside of the ship in a vain attempt to get it steady. Drax having enhanced physical capabilities endured the pain from being struck by tree trunks and branches at full speed. Gamora used her enhanced physical abilities to hold the bungee cord that Drax was attached to so it wouldn't snap.

Gamora straining from the effort screamed at the top of her lungs. She gripped the edge of the ship with all of her strength determined to hold on to Drax. Meanwhile Groot continued to eat his candy staring at all the trees with wonder and curiosity. Peter breathed a sigh of relief when the Benatar dropped onto the ground in a clearing. The worst of it was over but Peter was not looking forward to examining the damage to the ship. The ship's navigational computer identified the island as Berhert before shutting down and the ship's left wing promptly fell off.

Drax groaned as he got up from the ground removing the bungy cord. He laughed once he stood up proclaiming the airship crash was awesome as if he got off a roller coaster ride at a carnival. Gamora meanwhile was fuming as she stared at the extent of the damage to the Benatar. She exploded in anger when Rocket landed with his jetpack on the ground and Peter alongside Drax joined her near the airship's broken left wing. Nebula crawled out of the ship's storage room using her shoulders to bust through the door. She scowled as she stumbled outside slightly dizzy and still handcuffed.

"Look at this! Where's the other half of our ship?" Gamora shouted in frustration

"Technically it's my ship." Peter muttered

"Either one of you could have flown us through the dimensional portal in the asteroid field! All you had to do was fly with what's in between your ears instead of what's between your legs!" Gamora scolded

"Well when you put it that way I should have flown this ship because I'm way bigger than that trash panda. That's what they say about what's in between the legs of a tall man." Peter said with a mischievous smirk

"Who is they?" Drax asked

"More important issue is that you called me a trash panda Quill. Is that an insult?" Rocket asked

Peter laughed, "Of course. You stole those batteries from the Sovereign so you deserve to be called trash panda!"

Rocket hissed and growled in anger brandishing his claws.

"For the millionth time I told you two to stop arguing! We need to focus on fixing our ship!" Gamora screamed

Drax interjected by saying, "Actually it's only been the 18th time today you told Rocket and Quill to stop fighting. Though considering how stressed out you sound it makes sense you can't count the number correctly."

Before Gamora could start shooting in frustration someone emerged from the trees into the clearing.

"Gentleman and ladies please don't worry. My ship was the one that helped you. I spent the past day solving an infestation of Mynock's on the other side of this planet and it led me right to you. I am Grand Admiral Thrawn commander of the 7th fleet of the Imperial Air Force. I know of your exploits thanks to transmissions I received from a friend. You are the Guardians of the Galaxy who saved the systems of the Galaxy I originated from the Kree Accuser Ronan." Thrawn announced with a pair of Death Troopers by his side

"I knew it! You're the one who's in command of that Star Destroyer with a Chimera on it. You saved our hide but are you here to capture us? What is a Chiss like you doing in this dimension?" Rocket asked

"I can answer all of your questions if you come with me and the members of my crew. I desperately need your assistance with something related to the Mynocks and in exchange I'll have my forces assist you with repairing your airship." Thrawn offered

"I don't trust you Chiss. Your people are not known for cooperation with people like us. Besides an interdimensional anomaly was more responsible for our survival than you and your fleet." Gamora replied

"Why not? He saved our lives. Imperial tech is actually pretty good from what I've heard from smugglers who go back and forth between dimensions. See Quill me stealing those batteries from the Sovereign worked out." Rocket said

He gave Peter a mischievous smirk while Peter rolled his eyes.

Gamora sighed, "Fine half of us will go with you and the other half will investigate the anomaly using a shuttle that our new Chiss friend will donate to us. We need to know we won't have to deal with it when we do get our ship fixed and leave this dimension. The other half will assist the Grand Admiral with his problem in exchange for his help with our ship's repairs."

Thrawn smiled slightly as he examined the predictable arguments that sprung up in this rag tag bunch of mercenary heroes after Gamora spoke. Thrawn again knew of them by reputation from Eli Vanto his human contact within the Chiss Ascendancy that he helped desert the Empire so that he could serve in the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet. Thrawn was eager to witness the group dynamics in person.

Peter was loud and boisterous covering up for a loneliness he's felt since the loss of a loved one in childhood. Thrawn presumed this was a parent either his mother or father. Gamora screeched with complaints and critiques and Thrawn remembered this was her way of internalizing the constant critiques of her combat skills by her adoptive father Thanos. Thrawn was familiar with Gamora's long track record as a galactic assassin and thwarted Gamora's attempts to kill a high ranking noble of one of the nine ruling families of the Chiss Ascendancy. This was back when Thrawn was a junior lieutenant in the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet and first learned about the warlord Thanos. Gamora's adopted sister Nebula who helped Gamora escape was glaring at Nebula dismissive of the group. Thrawn noticed the cybernetic parts of Nebula and the bruising and scarring of Gamora and realized this was how Thanos trained his adopted daughters to be elite assassins. Nebula couldn't handle the training and was forced to endure surgeries that granted her cybernetic parts. Thrawn noticed she was handcuffed and wondered why.

Eventually after a final enough from Gamora the group spilt into two trio's. Rocket, Groot and Nebula would stay with Thrawn. While Peter, Gamora and Drax would take one of Thrawn's shuttles into the pocket dimension where the anomaly existed and see if it was connected to any jump points in their dimension. Thrawn was pleased with the arrangement due to Rocket's aptitude with technical equipment and airship inner workings.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn there's an Admiral Ar'alani from a Chiss Ascendancy airship that wishes to speak with you. I know Sy Bisti so I was able to understand her in that language. She says it's related to Thanos and a possible attack on Yucatan, Mexico by one of Thanos's top Commanders the Other." Commodore Faro warned Thrawn via comm link

Thrawn wondered what the Mynock infestation,
the space anomaly and this new information about a possible attack have to do with the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was determined to find out.

Chapter 5: Chapter 4

"So I know my appearance is freaking you out lady but I don't understand why you need to be worried about the Sovereign. They have superior numbers but their pilots suck trust me." Rocket interjected

Commodore Faro frowned at Rocket having spent years and years of time in military service to know that interrupting superior officers was forbidden. She was also annoyed that Thrawn had individuals from outside their dimension on the Chimera without formal approval from the Military Tribunal. Not only that but Valentina was monitoring Thrawn's progress on the Mynock infestation in Yucatan. The Chimera was currently in Berhert airspace in the specific which was on the other side of the planet from the Yucatan. Faro already had to field two rage filled calls from Governor James about the lack of progress over the course of several hours.

Faro was forced to lie and say that Thrawn was conducting research on the Mynocks and would move his fleet into Yucatan airspace as soon as possible. Thrawn's overestimation of thorough analysis failed to account for the possible political machinations of Contessa Valentina. The fact that she enthusiastically volunteered to monitor Thrawn's work on Mynocks infestation alongside her assistant Mel gave Faro pause. Yet outside of vague threats Valentina hadn't done anything and Thrawn insisted he broke no Imperial protocols because he officially declared the situation an Imperial emergency which gave Commanders of airships significant latitude on following protocols.

"I don't know why you insist on getting help from these Guardians. They are not properly trained in Chiss tactics and neither are these Imperials you lower yourself in intelligence to working alongside." Admiral Ar'alani complained

"Hey what did I do to deserve such disrespect besides steal advanced batteries from the Sovereign which ruined your surveillance of them?" Rocket replied nonchalantly

"I am Groot." Groot added seemingly agreeing with Rocket

"See Groot thinks you should treat me with more kindness. Thrawn chose me out of all those other Guardians because he values my mechanical and piloting skills."

"I'm beginning to regret that decision because you've been on the bridge for the past hour and haven't helped Admiral Ar'alani or myself craft a feasible attack plan for the Sovereign." Thrawn said

"I already told you lame brains about my superior piloting skills. That's all we need. Give me the chance to lead a joint Chiss Ascendancy and Imperial TIE Defender squadron and I guarantee you I'll take out the Sovereign fleet that's been following you Ar'alani."

"That's Admiral Ar'alani! I am not your friend. I'm an Admiral in the most powerful airship aerial fleet in your galaxy." Ar'alani chastised offended

"Perhaps Ensign Vanto and I could go over calculations on vectors that we can use to catch the Sovereign off guard by attacking them from behind. The anomaly that helped me rescue the Guardians could somehow be weaponized if we were able to understand where it springs up in this intersection of dimensions." Thrawn suggested eager to end the bickering between Ar'alani and Rocket

"Fine. I'll return to my airship and communicate with the officers under my command on this course of action. Thank you for your willingness to consider my troops needs Grand Admiral" Ar'alani said stiffly to Thrawn ignoring Rocket

Rocket folded his arms and shook his head while Groot giggled at Rocket's exasperation.

"Please Rocket there's no need for you to agitate everyone you encounter. That isn't going to help us resolve the individual behind the Mynock infestation and their use of the anomaly to conceal this sabotage." Thrawn reasoned to Rocket

"Wait a minute you are telling me that a single person is behind all of this and that The Other Thanos's commander is the other person we gotta worry about?" Rocket asked his earlier confidence starting to fade

"Precisely but in addition to that I believe this mysterious person is working for the Other. That means urgency, creative problem solving and as many as allies is possible is required to solve these two emerging crises." Thrawn

Chapter 6: Chapter 5

Summary:

Eli Vanto struggles with all the changes that's happened since he left the Empire after failing to stop the Other from protecting the Sovereign from an attack by Thrawn's forces.

Eli Vanto hung his head in disappointment. The calculations he came up with to sneak past the Sovereign's fleet resulted in failure. Both Chiss and Imperial squadrons were defeated by the Sovereign's ships. Eli's disappointment didn't just stem from this setback and the prospect that both Rocket and Nebula would mock him along with Contessa Valentina and Mel. No it stemmed from the fact Thrawn smuggled him out of the Imperial military through this very dimensional portal into Thrawn's dimension. Specifically so Admiral Ar'alani would adopt Eli as a member of the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet.

Much like how Thrawn was allowed by Emperor Palpatine to join the Imperial military but on the condition to start training in an Imperial Academy Eli was in the same predicament but in reverse. In the same way Thrawn dealt with Xenophobic prejudiced humans Eli dealt with Chiss who acted this way. However the Chiss were more subtle and less petty about such things. They recognized Eli had skills and that Thrawn wasn't foolish to nominate Eli for this mission. Thanos was a powerful warlord with powerful commanders such as the Other so Chiss military personnel couldn't go overboard with pettiness. Also Eli's Chiss military academy experience was heavily abbreviated with instruction lasting a mere six months compared to the three years he and Thrawn were instructed. A crash course in the Chiss language, culture and etiquette then battle tactics, command structure, analysis and other operational procedures related to Chiss military doctrine tested Eli's endurance.

Eli thought that he'd be placed in a pivotal role in the battle against Thanos and the Gryssks. Or at the very least be tasked with something important to the war effort in terms of tactical planning or research to develop the Chiss battle strategy. Instead to his disappointment Eli just analyzed purgill migration patterns and the exhaust they expel when traveling through space which was used to create hyperspace fuel. Eli found this task incredibly boring and lamented why Thrawn specifically vouched for him before Admiral Ar'alani for such a basic task.

On top of this Eli was a Lieutenant in the Imperial military but was only a Ensign in the Chiss military. Adding insult to injury Thrawn didn't really spend much time talking to Eli upon their reunion. He merely gave a polite but stiff greeting as if Eli wasn't considered a friend despite spending years in the military together. Eli was the one who protected Thrawn from the xenophobia and prejudice during his ascent to the rank of Grand Admiral. That rank took Eli by surprise momentarily but then he reminded himself that Thrawn was capable of doing the impossible. It made Eli feel more embarrassed wondering if all that time spent with Thrawn before leaving the Empire was a waste of time. Eli considered that his talents were still average at best and questioned if that's why Thrawn was willing to rely on the Guardians of the Galaxy to resolve the crisis.

Eli's thoughts were broken by Rocket deciding to take Nebula and Groot back to Berhert with another borrowed Imperial shuttle with supplies to repair his ship. Thrawn graciously agreed to do this for Rocket on the condition they remain in contact until the crisis was resolved. Valentina wasn't happy that Thrawn was sharing Imperial resources with interdimensional outsiders and Mel her assistant furiously typed these purported violations into her data pad. Eli was relieved that Ar'alani and her forces managed to capture some air ships from the Other's fleet so the mission itself wasn't a complete failure.

"I just finished my interrogation of the Grysk commander working with the Other. However Thrawn I need you to do a cross examination to ensure he's telling the truth. He claims the Ravagers are involved and that they have been working on behalf of the Imperial saboteur. The same saboteur that's using the Mynock infestation and the interdimensional anomaly that you believe is involved." Admiral Ar'alani explained to Thrawn

"Certainly but I'd like to conduct the cross examination with Ensign Vanto." Thrawn insisted

This took Eli by surprise considering his self loathing over a lack of an important assignment. However Eli's optimism was undercut by Contessa Valentina.

"I'm joining that cross examination too. Remember Thrawn I have to monitor everything you do and make a report. And you my friend are dangerously close to committing treason because so far you have speculation that this is an Imperial emergency. There's no concrere evidence these incidents are linked. And Vanto real nice of you to cut and run from the Empire and show up like it's no big deal. But make you squirm is real nice consolation prize just like old times." Valentina finished with a mischievous grinned

Eli forgot about how much Valentina attempted to get Thrawn and himself discharged from the military. Not only that but Valentina wanted himself and Thrawn imprisoned due to Thrawn's unorthodox way of completing Imperial operations, status as an outsider and Eli's loyalty to Thrawn. Back then Valentina was the head of the Military Tribunal who oversaw the conduct and professionalism of all Imperial military and law enforcement officers and personnel in addition to working directly with the Imperial Ruling Council on administrative matters. Eli was informed by a Commodore Faro who wasn't happy to see him either that Valentina was demoted to Chief of Staff for Director Krennic the head of operations for Project Stardust. Eli took a small out of solace in the fact that Bucky was no longer Valentina's confident instead it was a young woman with only administrative training named Mel. Mel wasn't like Governor Pryce either who Eli never liked and Pryce felt the same way about Eli. He was grateful Pryce was dealing with the Rebellion on New York/Lothal.

"Alright Contessa Valentina you can join but be aware these are matters that fall well outside your area of expertise. You haven't encountered a Grysk before and I assure they're dangerous and that's why Thanos choosing them as allies is a harbinger of terrible things unless we stop the Other and the Imperial saboteur." Thrawn gravelly warned

"Please blue man group. I'm not scared of this Thanos. We have more than enough resources to deal with this threat. My concern is that the Guardians who you've chosen to ally with are gonna mess it up because they're morons." Valentina complained

Before Thrawn could counter argue Rocket contacted the Chimera.

"Hey Thrawn old buddy old pal. We got a Ravager problem and considering I have a toddler tree with me and a blue prisoner that's a cross between a Chiss and a sex bot I'm gonna need whatever backup you can spare....ASAP." Rocket said

Chapter 7: Chapter 6

Summary:

Eli prepared to help Rocket against the Ravagers while learning more about the Grysk's partnership with Thanos's subordinate The Other.

Eli stared in shock at the dead Grysk who managed to kill himself with a hidden capsule inside his forehead which had an indent similar to a horned dinosaur. He was handcuffed and imprisoned in a cell on the Chimera while a joint Imperial and Chiss operation scoured his airship and the two others that didn't escape with The Other's fleet. Eli learned the Grysk's indent allowed the Grysk to influence people through supernatural means. The Chiss Skywalker navigators that use their Force Sensitivity to guide Chiss airships through energy fields and gravity wells that damage airships were prized targets of the Grysk. Thanos's Dark Order assassins kidnapping of Chiss Skywalker navigators was the basis for their partnership.

Eli still struggled to deal with the idea of being controlled where you view yourself as a Grysk. The Empire's experiments on the enhanced psychopath Kilgrave generated a much weaker version of this ability. There were limitations to his power that the detective and Rebel Agent Jessica Jones managed to use to defeat him. Grysk on the other hand had a hold on a person that was much stronger and it made sense to Eli why Thrawn would place himself in harm's way by serving the Empire. He wanted to use Imperial resources to protect his people from the Grysk. In addition to this gamble Thrawn was gambling on his partnership with the unusual and wacky Guardians of the Galaxy being the key to defeating the Other and the Grysk fleet allied with him.

Eli wasn't eager to meet Rocket and Groot himself though. He didn't reveal this of course because of his low rank and Thrawn's insistence on treating Eli as an Ensign instead of a friend. Eli's unhappiness with this mission increased when Valentina insisted on going with Eli and instructing Mel to watch Thrawn closely. Admiral Ar'alani was furious with this idea arguing on behalf of Eli stating his trustworthiness exceeded those of her most experienced officers. Thrawn maintaining his diplomatic demeanor allowed Valentina to go with Eli causing Admiral Ar'alani and Commodore Faro to scoff in disgust.

"Just a smooth operation between the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet, the Empire and the Guardians of the Galaxy." Eli muttered exasperated as he prepared to return to Berhert to assist Rocket alongside Valentina

Chapter 8: Chapter 7

Summary:

Thrawn encounters Ego the Living Planet while investigating missing Chiss Skywalker navigators. Eli and Valentina struggle to help Rocket fight the Ravagers.

Thrawn was momentarily impressed by the planet of Ego. He wondered if the Grysk he interrogated was lying about Chiss Skywalker's being taken here by the Ravagers. The partnership between the Ravagers and the Grysks was not on solid footing reading between the lines of the answers the Grysk captive gave. Thrawn gathered the Ravagers had a much stronger relationship with the Imperial saboteur behind the Mynock infestation. Either way this planet was connected to the interdimensional anomaly that both the Ravagers, the Grysk, the Other were using for tactical advantage. To what end Thrawn was uncertain about.

This train of thought helped Thrawn to not be distracted by the lush wildlife, exotic animals and comfortable temperate climate of Ego. The colorful bubbles did distract Thrawn and he wondered if this was part of the Ego's ecological design. Thrawn drew his blaster and fired it at tendrils that sprung up from the ground attempting to attack. Thrawn dodged these attacks and fired his blaster but the effect was minimal. Thrawn looked up at a floating platform led by an older past middle aged human male, Peter, Gamora and Drax with a woman who looked like a mix between a praying mantis and human in the rear. The older human raised his hand and the tendrils went back into the ground.

Thrawn bewildered by such power could only stare in silence attempting to dissect the older man's motives. He heard legends about the interdimensional planet of Ego being controlled by a single human with strange and remarkable power comparable but he assumed these were stories. Thrawn wondered if the man was that human because he struggled to read his body language or emotions. The platform landed near Thrawn and the human mantis hybrid woman gave a friendly wave while encouraging Thrawn to join the tour.

Thrawn obliged when he saw the three Guardians were unharmed and delighted by the natural surroundings of Ego. He read a wide eyed naivete in the body language of the group but for some strange trepidation in Mantis's body language. This intrigued Thrawn and gave him something to focus on besides the bountiful color in the natural landscape. Though Thrawn's attention shifted from the hybrid in the rear who introduced herself as Mantis; to Ego himself when Thrawn heard the man say to the Guardians he was actually the planet Ego. The group took the platform to Ego's ornate golden palace which absorbed the platform to create a walkway. The walkway led to a fountain that was filled with exotic creatures but Gamora ignored them. Thrawn sensed trepidation in Gamora that was absent in her male companions.

"You control a planet and can destroy dozens of Sovereign air ships without a suit. What are you exactly?" Gamora asked attempting to hide her concern

Ego frowned and nonchalantly replied, "I'm what's called a Celestial sweetheart. Come inside and I'll explain more."

****

"There's no way you are flying back into whatever dimension you came from in this piece of junk." Valentina declared when she saw the Benatar

Eli rubbed his chin thoughtfully before saying, "Based on Grand Admiral Thrawn's report I'd say Rocket is making good progress all things considered."

"No one asked you deserter. What secrets are you hiding Eli? Or your old pal Thrawn? Why show him any loyalty if he's gonna treat you as a cadet and take credit for the victories you guys achieved together before he convinced you to leave the Empire?" Valentina accused

Before Eli could come up with a half hearted defense of Thrawn Rocket cursed in annoyance.

"This is the help Thrawn is sending. 4 black Stormtrooper variants, an unfunny bureaucrat and Thrawn's old Imperial Academy classmate. The Empire is more lame than the Nova Corps and I didn't think anyone would be more lame than them. The Ravagers are coming and there's 70 of them and only 7 of us not counting Nebula whose handcuffed and Groot who's not even in 1st grade!" Rocket complained

"That's where you're wrong. I have an idea but it's gonna require all the tech you used when you collected bounties." Eli said a confident smile on his face

Chapter 9: Chapter 8

Summary:

Thrawn discovers something about Ego the Living Planet that changes his perceptions of the situation. Faro weighs a difficult decision while Rocket and Eli are overwhelmed by Ravagers.

Thrawn was perturbed the emotional reunion between Peter Quill and Ego the Living Planet as father and son. Gamora was confused and Thrawn noticed her eyeing Mantis suspiciously. Drax on the other hand was giddy shouting, "I love reunions!" He grabbed Mantis and threw her in the air as if she were confetti. Mantis screamed in terror until Drax caught her and returned her gently to the ground.

"Peter I was working with the Ravagers to find you because I have special plans for us. I was betrayed but that lying liar Yondu Udonta kept you from me so I was forced to rely on a war general named Dooku to find you. When he was killed I was forced to solely on an inside person within the Empire to track you down. They're the ones that alerted me to that Sovereign attack on your airship. Come with me to my private courtyard we have a lot of catching up to do." Ego explained to a stunned Peter

Ego told Mantis to make Peter's friends comfortable and in a few hours to be ready to prepare his bedroom for rest. Mantis dutifully nodded before Ego and Peter disappeared from view. Thrawn received his answer on who caused the Mynock infestation and the interdimensional anomaly and why. Ego was the culprit using intel from an unknown Imperial to find and locate Peter. However questions remained such as what the Sovereign hoped to gain from all this, why was this unknown Imperial commiting treason by working with someone as powerful as Ego who was a living planet, and what plans did Ego have for Peter and why were Chiss Skywalker navigators involved in these plans. Thrawn unearthed one answer to the puzzle but as a consequence there were more puzzle pieces to sort through.

"What do you think Ego plans to do with Peter?" Thrawn asked Gamora and Drax

"Help him discover his powers because Peter is part celestial just like me." Mantis blurted out

Everyone stared at her as she covered her mouth. Mantis then reached out and grabbed an angry Gamora then grabbed a bemused Drax. Thrawn to his surprise saw Gamora giggle and Drax angrily rip his hand away from Mantis. He stormed off glaring at Mantis while Gamora became distracted by the colorful bubbles that emerged from the fountain outside. She giggled some more when the bubbles burst and split into more bubbles of various shapes and patterns.

"How does this power you have work?" Thrawn asked curious

Mantis grabbed his arm and Mantis eyes widened in fear. She saw the Emperor and the Imperial military hierarchy with Lord Vader at the top. She immediately composed herself and decided to study Drax and Gamora. Thrawn felt intense fear and he was grateful he didn't attempt to fight Mantis. Thrawn realized Mantis could manipulate emotions by exchanging them with her own. Thrawn realized with dread and trepidation Ego was so powerful that he dwarfed the Emperor or even Thanos and his Dark Order in power. Thrawn immediately ran from the palace out into the fields in a desperate bid to understand Ego's hoping Mantis's ability would wear off soon.

****

"Need I remind you that my Chiss navigator Vah'nya is special one of the few Skywalkers to retain her ability past the age of 18. Even at 21 she's one of our best navigators. If she says she senses a base on Earth's moon then there's a base on Earth's moon. We must take both my ship and the Chimera to investigate it. It's possible the Other is using this base to coordinate his attacks on Thanos's orders." Admiral Ar'alani said pointedly towards Faro

"I say we wait for Thrawn to radio in with an update before we turn off to investigate something without his knowledge Admiral." Faro counter argued

"Yet Grand Admiral Thrawn made you in command of this vessel in his absence. I appreciate your respect for his leadership but Thrawn is not a god. He's made mistakes I should know seeing as he was in the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet before he joined your Empire. You should use what he taught to make the best decision for our investigation into how the Other is using this conspiracy involving a traitor on your Empire to help his fleet."

Faro frowned thinking about Admiral Ar'alani's reasoning carefully. Thrawn did entrust her with command but Faro felt inadequate compared to Thrawn. In fact Faro initiated her application to lead one of the 24 special Imperial Task Forces that coordinate with elite intelligence ground squadrons in the ISB / CIA, FBI / Military Intelligence and the Department of Damage Control (DDC). Her application was accepted just days before the Daily Bulletin attack orchestrated by Wilson Fisk. Yet...Thrawn said he would wait until after the attack's subsequent response by the Rebellion on New York/Lothal to give his formal recommendation with the Imperial Military Tribunal for Faro to be a Task Force Admiral.

Faro was initially annoyed because she felt more qualified than her potential replacement the disgraced and demoted former Task Force Admiral Brom Titus. In addition Thrawn violated a tradition in Imperial etiquette where a superior would not only give a recommendation but also congratulate the applicant officer in front of the rest of the crew. Faro did give Thrawn grace due to his Chiss background but in the back of her head she wondered if Thrawn didn't care. Not out of malice or anything vindictive but out of pure pragmatism did Thrawn consider Faro's accepted application less important than the campaign on Lothal. Faro shook her head when she remembered the unique circumstances on Lothal considering the real Daredevil was still on the loose and now this crisis with the Other and an interdimensional anomaly also taking place took precedent over her ambitions. Yet a small seed of doubt about her leadership abilities was in the back of Faro's mind.

"Why are you even loyal to Grand Admiral Thrawn? He discarded Eli Vanto his supposed friend because he was of no use. You don't think he'll do the same thing if you run off chasing some lead that's a hunch. A hunch from an outsider that has no understanding of Imperial protocols?" Mel challenged Faro glaring pointedly at Admiral Ar'alani

Admiral Ar'alani glared back at Mel and considering Chiss had dark red eyes with their blue skin it gave Ar'alani's facial expression a monstrous vibe. Mel wasn't intimidated in the slightest but Faro retained Thrawn's penchant for cool under fire by asking a question.

"Why are you loyal to Valentina when she failed to catch a spy in her own ranks. Grand Admiral Thrawn used his capture of the spy former ISB Agent Kallus to defeat the Rebellion in the Battle of Zero Hour in Atollon/New York State. Thrawn sent them scattering in shameful defeat which is why I'm loyal to him because it wasn't just Thrawn. It was everyone in this crew onboard the Chimera who was prepared by Thrawn for that battle. Meanwhile Valentina is a demoted member of Director Krennic's cabinet as Chief of Staff trying to remain relevant after failing to realize Bucky Barnes was spying on her. You think you're going places within the Empire as her lackey?" Faro asked

Admiral Ar'alani was taken aback by Faro's firey speech and smiled maliciously when Mel failed to have any sort of verbal comeback.

"With that out of that way I will set course for the moon to investigate that base. We'll send out a squadron from the Chimera while Admiral Ar'alani will send out her own squadron."

****

Southern nights
Have you ever felt a Southern night?
Free as a breeze
Not to mention the trees
Whistlin' tunes that you know and love so
Southern nights
Just as good even when you close your eyes
I apologize
To anyone who can truly say
That he has found a better way
Southern skies
Have you ever noticed Southern skies? (In southern skies)
Its precious beauty lies
Just beyond the eye it goes running through your soul
Like the stories told of old

Rocket sung under his breath as he rigged the traps exactly as Eli prescribed. He giggled when he heard the Ravagers be pushed into the air by the rigged Shield generators. The generators were supposed to be for the Guardians airship but Eli explained how they could be repurposed to attack the Ravagers. While they were disoriented Eli and Valentina fired specialized targeting blasters that were meant to fire turbo lasers but were repurposed into firing darts that contained an electric charge. The Ravagers fell to the ground overwhelmed by the pulsating energy struggling to hold onto their blasters.

Unfortunately Eli's plan didn't account for two things one being that Yondu only sent in half of his forced to absorb every attack he and Rocket could execute. Second the dangerous and deadly Yaka arrow an electronic arrow designed to hit targets with precise accuracy at the command of a whistle. Eli groaned when he saw the arrow aimed inches from Rocket's face after he defeated the last two Ravagers of Yondu's initial infantry squad with his claws. A heavy bearded Ravager of unknown species with a boisterous aimed a blaster cannon at himself. Eli realized Valentina fled before Yondu's Yaka arrow entered the scene.

"Hey there rat. What the galaxy? A human in Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet gear? Oh my goodness. I done hit the lottery. Forget the Rat. We just need those Sovereign batteries and that human Chiss Fleet crew member and we gonna be rich boys!" Yondu exclaimed out of a mixture shock and joy

****

"Your friend is in trouble. Don't you hear him outside. It's Yondu the leader of the Ravagers. If you care about him you're going to need to get me out of these handcuffs so I can help him." Nebula begged

Terrified Groot shook his head no but was stunned by a blaster from Valentina.

"Don't worry unlike the little guy I believe in you." Valentina said to a bewildered Nebula

****

"If you give me your word you won't hurt Groot then I'll tell you where the batteries are." Rocket muttered in defeat

Yondu grinned mischievous, "I ain't gonna do that because Ayesha the uppity fancy talking gold lady who leads the Sovereign wanted me to capture you and your friends. The thing is we got someone in the Empire that wants the blue guy that saved you from Ayesha's people. That's a more valuable bounty and this Imperial is desperate to get him so they offered us twice as much as what Ayesha promised us. You give those batteries and tell where the tall white uniform blue boy is and we square."

The large bearded Ravager objected with a boisterous, "That's a mudscuffing joke the Priestess of the Sovereign promised us a million credits each for the Guardians and the advanced batteries. That's 3 million credits while the Imperial only promised us 1.5 million credits for the Grand Admiral."

"Are you stupid? That's only 2 million from the Sovereign compared to 1.5 from the Imperial. The Imperial might even give us another 100,000 credits for that Chiss airship officer. He human so I doubt the Chiss are gonna care to much about him if he goes missing. That's what we need to do because we ain't gonna hand the Guardians of the Galaxy to their death when they saved Xandar from destruction. We'd be on the Nova Corps most wanted list and for what?! A measly 500 thousand more credits! It ain't worth it!" Yondu shouted perturbed at his authority being challenged

However many Ravagers grumbled in frustration at Yondu despite his reasoning. Kraglin Obfonteri Yondu's right hand man was furious at Yondu's constant overeach as a leader and he spoke up.

"This ain't right Captain. No matter how many times Peter Quill betrays you you protect him like none of the rest of us matters. I'm the one that sticks up for you all the time! I'm your first mate and yet you treat me and the rest of us like we're invisible!"

Some of the Ravagers were warning Kraglin to take it easy but the loud boisterous Ravager who challenged Yondu earlier encouraged Kraglin.

"Yondu's gone soft and Kraglin's right. I believe it's time for a change in leadership!"

Ravagers immediately split into pro mutiny and anti mutiny factions aiming their weapons at each other. Yondu tried and failed to bring about order and then Nebula shot Yondu's control module in the shape of a mohawk on his head. Yondu was knocked out and then Nebula stunned Valentina who didn't get a chance to take advantage of the situation.

"Valentina you are officially the worst person I've ever met." Eli groaned

Eli was thinking about all the antagonist encounters Valentina had with Eli years ago when he was working alongside Thrawn before he and Rocket were stunned by Nebula

Chapter 10: Chapter 9

Summary:

Peter and Gamora disagree on whether Ego can be trusted.

Gamora was emotionally exhausted and confused. By Peter's strange behavior upon meeting his estranged father to Grand Admiral Thrawn's sudden departure from the group in a panic. The only thing normal about all this was Drax's affable and straightforward nature. She waited for Peter to finish spending time with his father before confronting him. She was sensitive to Peter's desire to reconnect with his long lost father but she didn't trust Ego at all. For the safety of the Guardians Gamora felt it was best if they all left Ego and reunited with Rocket and Groot on Berhert.

Yet Gamora's anger towards Peter grew as he ignored her and stared at the beautiful and colorful landscape of Ego's planet. Peter was mesmerized that this splendor was his and one day he'd be able to control it.

"Rocket? Rocket are you there?" Gamora asked worried

"Dance with me." Peter suggested placing his hands on Gamora's hips

"Are you crazy? I'm not dancing with you besides Rocket hasn't responded."

"You know the song that's playing right now? It's by Sam Cooke one of the greatest Earth singers ever. Come on. I'm sure Rocket is fine." Peter reasoned pulling an annoyed Gamora towards the middle of the balcony

The two interlocked hands as they swayed to the music. Gamora tense and Peter content. Peter led Gamora into a spin manuever that she performed flawlessly and she fell back into Peter's arms. She smiled more relaxed and Peter smiled back.

"Drax says you're not a dancer but that was incredible." Peter complimented

"If you tell anyone about this I will kill you." Gamora threatened

"So are we still gonna play this game? The game of unspoken love." Peter chided

"What are you talking about Peter?"

"It's this thing that happens on TV Shows like Cheers with Sam and Diane. There's unspoken romantic feelings between two people but each person is too scared to say it out loud." Peter explained with a self satisfied smirk

Gamora stepped away from Peter puzzled by this explanation saying, "I'm not familiar with Earth culture but I don't feel anything regarding romance towards you. I care about you the same way I care about Drax, Rocket and Groot."

Peter rolled his eyes and said, "Sure because that's exactly what Diane said to Sam."

"I don't know how Diane is so stop referencing her! There's something strange about this place! Something that doesn't feel right and now there's static interference with our communications! We don't know if Rocket or Groot are in trouble or where the galaxy Thrawn ran off to!" Gamora shouted in frustration

"So...you don't care that I found my dad. That he loves me and wants a better purpose for me." Peter replied hurt by Gamora's rant

"No Peter that's not it. I'm just worried Ego isn't being completely honest with you. Mantis his assistant is hiding something from you we should interrogate her. She touched Thrawn and he ran off. How many Chiss we've seen would do something like that? Chiss are like the complete opposite of Drax especially Thrawn."

"So you're just going to ignore the fact that I'm part God. That I have a purpose. That my blood family is out here?" Peter asked stunned by Gamora's behavior

"You have family on Earth but you've never even tried to visit them." Gamora replied dismissive

"Earth is where my mother died of cancer why would I go back there! I finally found my family why aren't you happy for me?" Peter shouted

Gamora eyes watered with tears when she said, "I thought we were your family Peter? I'm going outside to get a signal to contact Rocket and then I'm going to find Thrawn."

Chapter 11: Chapter 10

Summary:

Admiral Ar'alani and Commodore Faro are on the precipice of engaging in space combat with a dangerous opponent. Thrawn makes a startling discovery about Ego the Living Planet.

Admiral Ar'alani was on her airship the Steadfast and Vah'nya was in the navigation module to the far right corner of the bridge. She was guiding the ace wing squadron alongside Thrawn's TIE Defender squadron to the base on Earth's moon using Second Sight. Second Sight was an ability that allowed Chiss navigators called Skywalkers to connect with the Force and use it to guide airships through aerial obstacles too difficult for navigational computers to analyze. Ar'alani folded her arms trepidation inside her but not on her face as she gave orders to her crew.

Ar'alani's worst fears were confirmed that this was a Grysk processing station. She ordered her Ace squadron to do a thorough sweep with the rear fighter in the squadron in charge of filming everything they could before sending an investigative team to the surface.

"My galaxy...there's Imperial installation equipment here. Battle station oriented which means this was for Project Stardust. This makes sense. The Ravagers used the interdimensional anomaly to sneak into Imperial airspace. Then they stole the equipment from crashed supply ships damaged from the Mynocks. Who in the Empire could have helped the Ravagers set up this base this efficiently...Valentina?"

"Valentina is a decorated Clone Wars veteran who risked her life spying for the former United Republic in Separatist territory. She would never betray the Empire! That's why I work for Valentina unlike Thrawn she puts the Empire first. That's why the Empire is powerful and why Stardust's completion will fulfill the Emperor's vision for the Empire!" Mel boasted

"Well there's no way it could be Thrawn because he was assigned the task of stopping the Mynock infestation by Director Krennic and Tarkin. We need to ask Grand Admiral Saviit for assistance on dealing with this situation. I'll contact him now."

Before Faro could contact Saviit the Other's fleet appeared.

"The great Admiral Ar'alani but no Grand Admiral Thrawn how disappointing. Perhaps Priestess Ayesha and the Sovereign weren't as helpful as they claimed. No matter...once I destroy all of you here I will continue the search for the gems that Thanos seeks." The Other boasted over a loudspeaker installed in his flagship

"You are surrounded the Other as half of my fleet flanked you in case you sprung a trap." Admiral Ar'alani proclaimed with a proud grin

Faro breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn't prepared for this outcome but Ar'alani was familiar with the aerial tactics of Thanos's lieutenant's warships. Mel eyes widened in astonishment when she saw Sovereign airships emerge from hyperspace at vectors too far for Ar'alani's fleet or ace wing squadrons to strike. Faro tensed up again realizing that the Sovereign weren't an independent faction. They pretended to be that but they too worked for the Other. Faro realized the unknown treasonous Imperial was working with Ego under the guise of using him to destroy the Other, the Sovereign and the Ravagers all in one blow. Yet Faro still had no idea why the treasonous Imperial whoever they were was doing all this. Why they'd rush the safety of the Empire conspiring with these dangerous interdimensional figures behind the Emperor's back?

"I just sent an emergency distress signal to Grand Admiral Saviit. His 2nd fleet can help us win this battle we just need to stall as long as we can." Faro told Ar'alani over the Chimera's encrypted comm channel

Ar'alani agreed while Mel standing over Faro's shoulder grumbled about this now suddenly becoming a suicide mission.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn prepared me for this exact moment. I will face it head on as best as I can or die in giving it my all. I prepared this entire crew to operate under this same mindset. Either you help in any way you can or you go into the guest quarters on the ship and hide. Though if you do hide that'll make you a fan of Contessa Valentina the Clone Wars veteran and not a true student of hers. Contessa Valentina is many despicable things but a coward isn't one of them." Faro challenged

Mel grimaced suddenly grappling with this ultimatum from Faro.

****

Gamora frustrated with Peter, worried about Rocket and Groot in addition to being suspicious about Ego slumped on her knees in an empty field. She was furious her communication device couldn't reach Rocket and she was emotionally exhausted. There was a creaking sound that annoyed her. When she realized it was two bizarre looking dandelions bending in the gentle breeze and creaking when touching each other she pulled out her sword cutting the dandelions.

"Dank Ferrik." Gamora muttered to herself realizing all of the Guardians were separated

She looked up at a far off object in the distance. She squinted to get a better understanding of what it was. Then when she saw that it was a Ravager scout airship and she ran away as it fired proton torpedos at her. Gamora knew a Ravager wasn't flying it. It was her adopted sister Nebula who screamed at Gamora filled with envy, rage and resentment towards her. Gamora jumped off a nearby Cliff's edge to avoid the torpedo fire landing with a hard thump on the ground.

Gamora looked up glaring at the scout ship saying, "Nebula you psychopath."

Gamora fled into a nearby cave to take cover from the torpedo fire from Nebula's ship. Exhausted Gamora placed her hands on her knees breathing heavily as she heard the ship circling towards the cave in the distance. Nebula filled with rage crashed the airship hoping to crush Gamora. Gamora's enhanced durability would survive this maneuver by Nebula but with crippling injuries.

Nebula underestimated the durability of her airship and the crash caused the ship to burst into flames. Trapped inside the airship due to her foot being stuck against the bent acceleration pedal in a crumpled cockpit Nebula started screaming. Her cybernetics prevented any internal injuries from the crash but not burns from a damaged flaming airship. Gamora against her better judgment pulled Nebula from the damaged airship and saw it explode.

Nebula's cybernetics reoriented her broken limbs so their alignment allowed her body to function. Gamora shouted in exasperation when Nebula attacked her in hand to hand combat. The pair bitterly exchanged blows but Nebula gained the upper hand choking Gamora until Nebula screamed in triumph.

"I won! I finally bested you in combat!" Nebula boasted

"What the galaxy I saved your scuffing life Nebula." Gamora complained

"That doesn't matter. You were stupid enough to let me live. I finally beat you after years of failure in our battles against each other when Thanos trained us."

"Please you're a joke. You traveled all across the galaxy and followed me into an interdimensional portal just to beat me. Why is it that all you care about is winning?" Gamora shouted

"That's what you always wanted. I just wanted a sister! You didn't care about my punishments for failure! Thanos took my eye, my legs, and my arms and replaced them with cybernetics because I couldn't beat you. He said I was weak and he wanted to make me strong but I still lost. You never cared because you needed to win." Nebula said with venom

Gamora teared up not realizing how the training Thanos put them both through affected Nebula.

"I'm sorry. I just. I was a different person then but I was wrong for not being there for you Nebula. I know technically speaking you're a wanted criminal but if you help me stop Ego maybe we put the past behind us and be sisters to each other."

Before Nebula could respond Thrawn appeared with a grave look on his face.

"Ego killed two Chiss Skywalker's in an attempt to increase his powers. These Skywalkers were the oldest of his children he sired with a Chiss woman both aged 22. Women that old to have maintained their ability to have Second and Third sight is impossible based on current Chiss research on such abilities. The mother of these children was expelled from one of the nine royal families for having a relationship with Ego. Now Peter is the oldest of Ego's children to arrive on his planet. Not only will Peter end up like these Chiss Skywalkers but he'll end up like all these other children. Then both of our dimensions will be under Ego's control with his newfound power."

Thrawn gestured to further into the cavern and saw the bones of children of various alien species scattered on the cavern floor.

Chapter 12: Chapter 11

Summary:

Yondu is confronted with memories of a painful past while dealing with a difficult present.

Yondu looked down from his rented room his escort bot powering down to recharge. Yondu saw one of his men ogling an escort bot with a drink in his hand. He looked up at Yondu's window and called down to him to join the party outside. The snowy plenty they were on wasn't too inviting but he knew Stakar would come here. He needed to talk to Stakar and convince him to understand. Though booze and relations with an escort bot failed to Yondu any courage to face him. Yondu grimaced as he got dressed knowing he had no choice but to face him.

Yondu could hear Stakar's Ravager clan mingling with various escort bots over drinks. There was laughs amid animated conversations despite the cold weather. Yondu approached Stakar and gave him the the traditional Ravager greeting. Stakar's jovial nature disappeared and he glared at Yondu with disgust.

"Boys it seems this establishment serves the wrong kind of clientele." Stakar said through gritted teeth storming off

The madam of the establishment chased after Stakar's Ravager faction desperately pleading for their continued business. She argued that Yondu decieved her about his identity and reputation. Stakar didn't care.

"There's a hundred Ravager factions. You just lost the business of 99 of them by serving Yondu's faction. Big mistake on your part."

Yondu's shame at Stakar's rejection turned to rage.

"Scuff you Stakar! Scuff you! Because you're too pigheaded to listen to me you Dank Ferrik arrogant mynock!" Yondu screamed

Stakar turned around offended by Yondu's behavior.

"After what you did you have the nerve to insult me? Ravagers do despicable things but we have a code! We don't do anything to kids! Ever! You broke the code Yondu. You just had to take that Ego guy's money when you knew better!"

"I didn't know what was going on! I thought he just wanted to spend time with his kids." Yondu shouted even louder

"Hyperspit Yondu! You should have known that guy and his weird planet was bad news but you didn't care because it made you rich! No excuses for messing with kids!" Stakar scolded ripping off Yondu's Ravager patch off

"You can't do this to me you self righteous pig headed loon!!! I demand a seat the table with all the other Ravager clan leaders." Yondu demanded

"You're not a Ravager. You will never be one of us and when you die you will not have a ceremony to honor your death with the horns off freedom or the customary flame," Stakar grabbed Yondu's jacket and pulled him close tears in his eyes, "If you think I take pleasure in exiling you...you're wrong. When you broke the code you broke all of our hearts."

Stakar and his Ravager clan stormed off and Yondu shoulder slumped stared at the snowy ground unsure what to do next. Yondu woke his head on fire from extreme pain and his hands chained inside a cell. He wished that dream he had wasn't a painful memory but it was. Yondu then remembered the mutiny that cost him command of his Ravager faction. Rocket was next to him alongside the human Chiss Ascendancy officer and the unfunny Imperial woman that helped Nebula escape.

"Oh wonderful you're awake interdimensional weird space pirate dude. So uh...you have a plan to get us out of here?" Valentina asked sweetly

Yondu noticed Groot was missing and smirked.

"I have a plan but it's risky. If you give me a good luck kiss I might have the courage to do it."

"Well that was gross and grounds for me to vomit. Eli surely you have some kind of clever way out of her after all that time you spent humiliating me alongside your former friend Grand Admiral Thrawn." Valentina requested sweetly

Eli shook his head discouraged his earlier plan to defeat the Ravagers failed.

"Lady before you ask me for help with false sweetness. Maybe take five seconds to realize Yondu was joking. He thinks human women are hideously unattractive. In other words he was mocking you." Rocket said angry that Groot was being indoctrinated into the Ravager clan

"I do have a plan though." Yondu said after an awkward silence

Chapter 13: Chapter 12

Summary:

Grand Admiral Saviit receives a distress signal from Commodore Faro and Eli has a plan to help himself, Rocket, Groot, Valentina and Yondu escape the mutinous Ravagers.

Captain Palleon the top officer below Grand Admiral Saviit of the flagship the Firedrake of the 2nd Fleet received a distress signal from the Chimera. Grand Admiral Thrawn who he admired though never served with was in trouble. Palleon wondered if it was because of the Yondu led Ravagers. Fearsome interdimensional pirates that caused severe problems for Saviit and the other crew members of the 2nd fleet for several years. He informed Saviit at once of the emergency signal via the Firedrake's private Holo Communication network.

"Odd. Grand Admiral Thrawn was supposed to be dealing with the Mynock infestation over Yucatan, Mexico. Not engaging with an unknown aerial fleet near the moon! What Thrawn is doing is tantamount to treason. I'll discuss this with the Imperial Military Tribunal before going to the aid of Thrawn's fleet." Grand Admiral Saviit said disapprovingly

"But sir Grand Admiral Thrawn has served the Empire with distinction and is requesting aid in an emergency. Surely in this rare circumstance following exact Imperial protocols can wait..." Captain Palleon attempted to argue

"Are you questioning a direct order from a superior Captain Palleon?" Grand Admiral Saviit questioned menacingly

"No sir. I'll keep the crew on standby just in case we are giving permission to assist Thrawn's 7th fleet."

"Good your following my orders without complaint. I'll have a final decision on the matter as soon as possible."

Captain Palleon frowned but remained silent nodding.

****

Eli was annoyed with Valentina's smirk. He figured that once the group escaped Valentina would report Thrawn to the Imperial Military Tribunal. As much as he disliked Contessa Valentina Eli begrudgingly knew she had a point. Thrawn was supposed to solve a Mynock infestation in 5 days. Two days had already passed and Thrawn was no closer to solving the problem. In fact Thrawn was in another dimension continuing his investigation on Ego while the infestation was still taking place on Yucatan. Thrawn followed no protocols and involved interdimensional beings such as the Chiss and the Guardians of the Galaxy without proper clearance from the Imperial Military Tribunal. Ironically the same Tribunal that Valentina was the head of prior to Eli's exit from the Empire. Eli's departure from the Imperial military to join the Chiss would also be up for review as another violation of Thrawn's official duties. Valentina was a witness to these actions that would force Thrawn into defending himself during a public hearing or worse...a court martial for Treason.

Eli shivered thinking about the possibility that Thrawn could be punished for treason. Treason was a taboo crime within the Imperial heirarchy. Financial corruption, embarrassing misconduct like infidelity or sexual relationships with subordinates on a crew, drug use or alcoholism were actions that were severely punished in the Imperial military and for good reason. Yet those punishments didn't have a finality to them just embarrassment and a failed career. Treason depending on the circumstances could lead to torture or death. Thrawn was in grave danger and despite his aloofness towards Eli; Eli was motivated to escape so he could warn Thrawn of Valentina's intent.

Rocket broke the silence by telling Yondu, "No offense but your employees are a bunch of jerks. They're idiots for trying to make Groot a Ravager."

"That little feller too weak to be a Ravager. See Peter when he was a little guy was crafty. He could slip into tight spaces and had a feel for theiving. He also would crawl all over my ship getting places he shouldn't. That's why I never gave him to Ego. He was perfect as a Ravager. Your fella too small and too nice Rocket.

That's why I know Groot will be walking by our cell unhappy looking for comfort from his daddy any moment now. While the clan is sleeping off the booze they drank we'll have Groot sneak into the Captain's quarters to get my electronic fin to control my Yaka arrow. That's how we escape." Yondu explained confident

Valentina started laughing, "Let me get this straight. Your plan hinges on a child to find a very specific technical device without waking up rowdy pirates. Wow you interdimensional aliens are complete morons. Moronic to a degree that's artistically impressive."

"You're a useless bureaucrat that makes complaining and whining an artform." Rocket insulted

"I'm not even going to dignify an insult from a raccoon with a response."

"You're just mad that young man in the Chiss uniform outsmarted you," Yondu said while chuckling, "you can't even let that go even though you are trapped on a ship that you are not familiar with and potentially could die at any moment. Ain't it embarrassing a guy like me is pointing this out to you?"

Valentina frowned because she couldn't think of a retort. A silence hovered over the group like a thick fog after Eli murmured a thank you to Yondu which Yondu returned that thanks with a nod.

"I was a Kree battle slave for 20 years before Stakar freed me," Yondu said to the group breaking the silence, "He offered me a place with the Ravagers. He said all I needed to do was adhere to the code. But I was young, greedy and stupid. Like you stealing those batteries."

"That was mostly Drax." Rocket retorted in a dismissive tone

"Me, Stakar and the other Ravager captains weren't so different from you and your friends Rocket. We were family. They was the only family I ever had. When I broke the code...they exiled me. I'm no better than this unattractive and unfunny Imperial woman. This is what I deserve." Yondu said filled with self pity

"My name is Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine you mudscuffing pirate." Valentina complained

"That is way too much for any of us to memorize so I'll just call you Val. As for you Yondu you need to stop being so overdramatic. Jeez relax. You have more self loathing than Eli over here." Rocket said

"How the galaxy did you remember Eli's name and not mine?" Valentina asked in a haughty tone

"Anyway," Rocket said ignoring Valentina, "You don't need to be a drama queen Yondu. Groot will be here any minute..."

Groot arrived covered in wine and spit sporting a Ravager initiation jumpsuit. He was crying saying Daddy help me even though it came out verbally as I am Groot. Rocket was enraged and eager to attack all the Ravagers for humiliating Groot in juvenile frat house style hazing rituals.

"We can't rely on Groot to help us," Eli said speaking with an unnatural high level of confidence, "he needs comfort from Rocket. However there's one person that can help us get the fin that controls Yondu's Yaka arrow."

Chapter 14: Chapter 13

Summary:

Taserface makes a deal with Grand Admiral Saviit right when Eli and the others begin their escape.

Taserface was relishing in his power. He convinced the Ravager mutineers to make him the leader of this new clan over Kraglin's protests. Then to assert his authority he forced all the traitors except Kraglin (who he knew detested Yondu) to be kicked out of the airlock into space. The Yondu loyalists begged and pleaded for mercy but Taserface refused to give it to them. Though the most senior members of the Yondu loyalist died defiantly with words that condemned the mutiny. Taserface simply laughed at these individuals before they died within a minute outside the airlock.

Taserface then came up with the idea to get a bounty from both Ayesha and the unknown Imperial. After speaking with Ayesha and getting mocked for using the name Taserface he brushed off this slight and spoke to Grand Admiral Saviit.

"I have a human Chiss Ascendancy officer named Eli Vanto who says he worked with Thrawn for nearly a decade." Taserface claimed

"Interesting I suppose you want to use Vanto to find Thrawn. You want to know if I'll pay you double if you bring me both of them. Smart. Where's Yondu? He's the one I negotiated with before." Saviit asked

"Yondu has been replaced as the leader of the Ravagers by me...Taserface!" Taserface proclaimed with pride

"What the galaxy kind of name is Taserface?" Saviit asked dismissive

Taserface frowned and blushed a purple color as he was a non human and his species blushed purple when embarrassed.

"I can pay you double but I still don't understand the choice to call yourself Taserface. What kind of stupid name -"

"Enough! Taserface is a great name!" Taserface shouted

He coughed and then in a softer voice said, "I'm sorry. I um...lost my temper. Grand Admiral Saviit. You'll still pay me double right?"

"Yes if you bring me both Vanto and Thrawn at the coordinates I'm sending you then I'll pay your group double....Taserface." Grand Admiral Saviit replied stifling a giggle but smirking nonetheless

Taserface ended the transmission struggling to contain his embarrassment.

 

****

To Yondu's astonishment a tearful Kraglin stood before Yondu and the others holding Yondu's fin.

"I didn't mean to do a mutiny. They killed everyone that was loyal to you Captain. They was my friends." Kraglin said his voice quivering

"Thank you Kraglin. Get the third quadrant ready for release." Yondu ordered

Kraglin gave the traditional Ravager greeting with pride as he went to carry out Yondu's orders. Eli saw himself in Kraglin. Despite Thrawn's aloof nature Eli was more certain Thrawn didn't deserve to end up like Yondu. Thrawn was a good leader who helped the Empire in so many ways. Ways that helped make the sometimes cruel and brutal system better. That's why Eli knew Kraglin would help with the group's escape. Eli was determined to get to Thrawn but he knew he needed to stay with Valentina as she raced back to the Chimera. It was the only way to protect Thrawn.

Chapter 15: Chapter 14

Summary:

The escape from their cell leads to a massacre initiated by Yondu.

Eli marveled at all the people Yondu killed with his Yaka arrow in such a short span of time. The precision of the weapon's response to Yondu's whistling made it so deadly Eli was grateful Yondu was on his side. Rocket and Groot predictably chipped in to help Yondu. Rocket was skilled with a blaster and Groot attacked Ravagers with vines protruding from his hands that had spikes on the end. Eli saw the rage in the young...tree like aliens eyes as he yelled I am Groot in anger at his tormentors.

What surprised him even more was that Valentina stole a blaster from one of the Ravagers and was killing them too. Eli was grateful for this also because it took a while for he and Kraglin to get a shuttle for himself and Valentina operational. Valentina hadn't engaged in combat since her spy days during the Clone Wars but she did well against Taserface's Ravagers.

Eli was confused why Taserface felt comfortable being called such a silly name. To Eli anyone would laugh hearing such a silly name. Regardless Eli knew he needed to concentrate on this task. Then figure out some way to outsmart Valentina to protect Thrawn. Even worse figure out a way to help Admiral Ar'alani the battle against the Other. He managed to track her flagship's hyperspace ion trail to the Earth's moon. He saw a military base there and realized the Other was collaborating with the unknown Imperial.

Chapter 16: Chapter 15

Summary:

Eli and Valentina return to Admiral Ar'alani and Commodore Faro to help in the battle against the Other, the Grysks and the Sovereign. Meanwhile Rocket leads a rescue effort for the remaining Guardians and Thrawn.

Though Commodore Faro and Admiral Ar'alani were grateful that Eli was returning to Ar'alani's airship the Steadfast and Mel was relieved Valentina was returning to the Chimera it wasn't the promised 2nd Fleet coming to their aid which disappointed them. Faro received a transmission stating that the 7th Fleet was ordered by the Imperial Military Tribunal to evacuate. A blockade would be placed in an orbit halfway between the moon and the Earth. Then if there was more threatening aeronautical activity from an interdimensional fleet the Tribunal will assign all of seven of the Grand Admiral's in the Empire and their fleets to engage the threat. Faro thought this plan was ridiculous and could result in the losses of more Imperial military personnel. Brave men and women who put their lives on the line protecting the people of the Empire would die due to incompetence if this plan was followed.

Eli messaged both Faro and Ar'alani that he had a plan but it would require working alongside navigator Vah'nya. The plan was risky and would only stall the Other and the Sovereign but it would at least buy them time until Thrawn came up with a counterattack plan. Faro was unsure if Thrawn would get back in time to assist in this aerial battle considering the fact he was stuck on Ego in another dimension. Mel was silent but her decision to remain on the bridge was a sign to Faro that for now she'd respected Faro's authority on the Chimera.

"By galaxy please get back soon Grand Admiral Thrawn." Faro whispered

****

Ayesha the High Priestess of the Sovereign was on the planet Sovereign enraged.

"What is taking the Other so long Admiral? He should be eagerly ordering an attack on that Chiss vessel and the outsiders helping the Chiss vessel." Ayesha complained

The Admiral for the Sovereign stroked his chin thoughtfully staring at the more than 1000 members of his naval force. They all were excited sitting at their individual modules which looked like an arcade game racing system to an outsider. Despite their childish appearance these modules remotely piloted the most destructive and powerful ships in the Andromeda Galaxy.

"I suppose The Other is waiting to see if his inside man - the one who works with the outsiders but is betraying them - will give him the one known as Grand Admiral Thrawn."

Ayesha laughed, "What's so special about him? We are the ones who are specially designed for a grand purpose. We are exceptional and yet we are just errand boys for the Other and Thanos. It's pathetic! Why would a member of the Chiss Ascendancy debase himself by leaving the Andromeda Galaxy to enter this backwater Milky Way Galaxy?"

"I'm not an expert on Chiss psychology Priestess or strategic planning. I assume our attack will begin shortly if the Other's inside man doesn't check in with confirmation that he has Thrawn."

****

"Where to Captain?" Kraglin called out from the nav computer station

Before Yondu could respond Rocket growled as he responded with Ego.

"No boy you can't - " Yondu called out

It was too late as the Ravager airship entered the jump point network via hyperspace. The planet Ego's unique place at an interdimensional portal near a unique interdimensional anomaly was a problem though. The Ravager airship was newly reclaimed by Yondu, Rocket, Groot, Kraglin, Eli and Valentina after killing all the Ravagers who participated in the mutiny was facing potential damage from attempting to cross an interdimensional portal via multiple jump points. Eli a skilled navigator and mathematician and data analyst would have been able to stop Kraglin from following Rocket's rash order. Unfortunately Yondu thought to himself Eli and Valentina had to leave on a smaller shuttle to help their people which meant only he could keep Rocket in check.

"You're not supposed to do more than 50 jumps at a time especially if trying to access an interdimensional gateway. You'll risk your health and the structural integrity of this ship." Yondu said to Rocket through gritted teeth

"I know that. We're not doing that many jumps anyway." Rocket said dismissively

"We're going to do 700 jumps!" Yondu screamed

The entire crew on the ship screamed in agony as the ship was pulled in different directions all at once. Their bodies struggled to handle the intense G forces from the numerous jump points the ship was forced through. The crew landed just outside the interdimensional portal to Ego but severely sick. Groot vomited and Kraglin was on the floor clutching his head moaning in pain.

"What the galaxy were you thinking boy?" Yondu shouted at Rocket from his knees due to severe naseau

Rocket forced to his knees do to dizziness shouted back, "From the way you talked about him I figured this Ego guy was bad news and he was going to torture Quill. I was acting with urgency!"

Unbeknownst to Rocket and the others on the Ravager ship a TIE fighter from Grand Admiral Saviit's fleet was monitoring them from a distance.

Chapter 17: Chapter 16

Summary:

Rocket and Yondu's confrontation takes an emotional turn and Kraglin makes a discovery.

"Why you wanna save Peter huh? For honor? For love?" Yondu asked incredulous

Rocket laughed replying, "No I don't care about those things. I'm only doing this so I can prove I'm better than him. I can hold this over Quill's head forever! On top of that I get to save a Chiss. Saving Thrawn means the royal families of the Chiss Ascendancy will have my eternal gratitude. Another thing I can hold over Quill's stupid head!"

Yondu started to chuckle because he understood why Rocket was so petty and abrasive.

"What are you laughing at me for?" Rocket asked uncomfortable

Yondu finally recovered from the naseau related to too many jumps confidently stood up and strode to the pilot seat.

"You can fool yourself and everyone else but you can't fool me. I know exactly who you are."

Rocket stood up defensive ready to argue with Yondu.

"You don't know anything about me loser."

"I know everything about you. I know you play like you're the meanest and the hardest but deep down you're the most scared of all." Yondu said turning to face Rocket and walking towards him

"Shut up!" Rocket said feebly unable to think of a comeback

"I know you steal batteries you don't need. You push away people who are kind to you because just a little bit of love reminds you of how big and empty that hole in your heart really is. I know those scientists that mutated you never cared about you!" Yondu shouted

"One more word Yondu and I swear I will shoot you!"

"Those scientists are just like my worthless parents who sold me as a small child into slavery! All so they could get extra cash. I know who you are boy because you're me!" Yondu finished an inch from Rocket staring at him directly in the eyes

"What kind of a pair are we?" Rocket asked aloud his shoulders slumped in defeat

"I don't mean to interrupt the emotional moment but um... there's an Imperial ship spying on us." Kraglin observed

"Ah Dank Ferrik!" Yondu groaned

Chapter 18: Chapter 17

Summary:

Thrawn discovers how Ego fathered children across the cosmos.

Missouri/Tawl, Summer of 1998

Ego and Meredith were riding in Ego's car cruising down the freeway. Her dad disapproved of Ego but she didn't see why. He was unusual for sure but intelligent, thoughtful and knowledgeable about nature. Growing up Meredith's teachers called her Meredith Question instead of Meredith Quill because she constantly asked questions. There was a natural curiosity that school didn't seem to satisfy. Her father was upset Meredith wasn't interested in attending college but waitressing. Meredith felt directionless until she met Ego in the spring. That's why she made the Awesome Playlist volume 1 CD as a celebration of their relationship. Ego was delighted by this and enjoyed hearing Meredith sing along to the song Brandy by Looking Glass.

There's a girl in this harbor town
And she works laying whiskey down
They say Brandy fetch another round
She serves them whisky and wine
The sailors say Brandy you're a fine girl
(you're a fine girl)
What a good wife you would be
(such a fine girl)
Yeah your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea
Brandy wears a braided chain
Made of finest silver from the north of spain
A locket that bears the name of the man that Brandy loved
He came on a summers day bringing gifts from far away

Ego laughed as he enjoyed Meredith's singing. He cradled her in her arms kissing her. They drove past a Dairy Queen into a trail deep in the woods. They got out of the car and Ego urged Meredith to walk. Meredith was excited because she walked these trails before but apparently Ego discovered something she missed. Either way Meredith enjoyed the mystery giggling with excitement as Ego started dragging her along the trail.

"Why are you getting cold feet my river lily we are almost there?" Ego teased

"I'm not dressed for this kind of hiking and I've already walked these trails." Meredith replied

"We're close. It's a surprise. Trust me. See look over there."

Meredith's eyes widened in shock and joy as she stared at an alien plant.

"Wow it's beautiful."

Ego beamed with pride saying, "I was worried it wouldn't take to the soil but it's growing perfectly. In due time this type of plant will be everywhere all across the universe."

Ego gestured to the sky despite it being a bright sunny day but Meredith imagined all the stars and celestial bodies in the night sky. How in the planet's near them these strange plants would be covering the landscape.

"It's so hard to picture what you're saying but I love it either way." Meredith said kissing Ego

Nebula vomited just as Thrawn's story ended.

"That explains why this cavern is a graveyard. How do you even know Ego fathered children across the cosmos? Isn't this just guesswork?" Gamora asked

Thrawn gestured to the pair to leave the cavern. It disgusted Thrawn to stand and talk in a place filled with the bodies of children of various species discarded by Ego.

"No. I was able to observe and read Ego's body language to determine his methodology for expanding his power. Ego is a Celestial but he operates using a human homunculus that when interacting in a purely human capacity exhibits typical body language traits. When first encountering Ego he was unreadable due to his homunculus behaving more as an extension of his true body like a puppet. That changed when Ego and Peter started experimenting with Peter's half celestial powers." Thrawn explained

"We still need to find a way to kill Ego so we can save Peter. That means we interrogate that Mantis woman." Gamora added

"We need to be careful with her. She can obfuscate out questions by using her emotion manipulation abilities. Her fear of Ego is so great she will resist us. I felt it when she used her powers on me."

"But if she has your emotions she'll see why Ego is dangerous from your perspective." Gamora argued

Thrawn put his fingers to his chin considering Gamora's observation. Nebula wiping vomit off of her face glared at Thrawn.

"Why should we even trust Thrawn? He's a Chiss and his people are hunting us. Even you despite your amnesty from the Nova Corps sister." Nebula said eyeing Thrawn suspiciously

Thrawn noticed that only half of Nebula's face was non cybernetic making it difficult to read her thought process by examining her body language.

"We can trust Thrawn. He isn't like most Chiss I've spied on. If anything I'm surprised he trusts us." Gamora observed

Thrawn saw Gamora's open and relaxed body stance indicated trust and confidence. He was surprised how just a couple of years with the Guardians changed Gamora from hardened and loyal assassin for Thanos to Guardian of the Galaxy. Thrawn saw Nebula squint her left human eye indicating she was considering murdering Thrawn when Gamora wasn't looking.

"We need to leave now and confront Mantis. Nebula's cybernetics should counteract Mantis's ability. We need to figure exactly what Ego is planning and how it connects back to the Imperial traitor and the Sovereign." Thrawn said to Gamora and Nebula

Before the trio could move they saw an Imperial TIE Fighter in the distance.

Chapter 19: Chapter 18

Summary:

Drax and Mantis conversation takes a strange turn.

Drax and Mantis sat by the fountain near the entrance to Ego's planet. Drax was comfortable unaware of the horrors and dangers his fellow Guardians were facing. She liked Mantis who was friendly and easy to talk to.

"How did you get to this weird dumb planet anyway?" Drax asked

"Ego found me in a larvae state orphaned on my home world. He raised by hand and I help him sleep using my powers." Mantis said solemnly

"Why would Ego tolerate an assistant that's so ugly? Usually assistants are beautiful and pleasant to look at." Drax observed

Mantis eyes widened in surprise and her antenna quivered.

"I'm hideous?"

"Of course. You're horrifying to look at." Drax replied brutally honest

Mantis hung her head in shame but Drax added, "That's a good thing though."

Mantis looked up hopeful and Drax continued, "When you're ugly and someone loves you...you know they love you for who you are. Beautiful people never know who to trust. That's Thrawn's greatest challenge as a Chiss amongst the ugly humans in his dimension. Chiss are very attractive it's their gift and curse."

"Well then I'm certainly grateful to be ugly." Mantis proclaimed smiling

"This fountain reminds me of the lakes on my home world. I used to take my daughter to see them. She was like you. Innocent." Drax said quietly staring at the sunset that was behind the fountain

Mantis touched Drax and felt the grief he had over his daughter who died at a young age. Moved by such grief Mantis spoke up.

"Drax I have something to confess..."

Gamora, Nebula and Thrawn approached Drax and Mantis.

Mantis was nervous because she could tell they discovered the truth about Ego.

Chapter 20: Chapter 19

Summary:

Ego explains the expansion to Peter while the Guardians and Thrawn attempt to figure out a way to stop Ego.

Thrawn examined Mantis's body language when Nebula held her up by the throat. Gamora was conducting the interrogation and she was skeptical of every answer Mantis gave about Ego's actions. Thrawn saw pure terror in Mantis's body language due to Mantis's widened eyes, twitching finger tips, stiffened back and rigid jaw line when she talked. Thrawn cautioned Nebula to put Mantis down and he gently asked Mantis what Ego's plan was.

****

Peter's eyes were widened through the awakening of his Celestial abilities. He could see various interconnected dimensions including the one he was born in and where Thrawn currently resided. He could see so many stars and constellations effortlessly and he felt comfort from the warmth that came with Celestial energy.

"Son I've been playing all these factions against one another. The Sovereign, the Ravagers, Palpatine's Empire, the Grysks and Thanos's Dark Order. It was all part of a grand design that you play a central role in."

Ego used his control of Celestial energy to show a detailed map of all these factions and how he manipulated them.

"This is so detailed. Why?" Peter asked while being overwhelmed by this display of power and its cosmic scope

"Over thousands of years I planted extensions of myself across thousands of planets between various dimensions. I did this to fulfill my purpose to grow and spread over all that exists. This directive means that every seedling I planted will grow until it's exactly like me...the planet Ego. I called this directive the expansion." Ego explained

Out of a mixture of practically and hubris Ego used his cosmic energy powers to destroy the TIE Fighter spying on them. Ego realized that the Imperial he was working with no longer trusted him. Peter was impressed by how with just a mere hand gesture his father created energy that struck the aircraft. He admired how it burst into colorful flames that imitated the colorful bubbles he saw near the fountains outside Ego's palace. He listened closely as his father continued to explain his plan.

"I only had one problem. A single Celestial doesn't have enough raw energy to initiate the expansion. However two Celestials would solve this problem. That's why I attempted to graft my DNA with that of another species. Offspring would be the key to fulfilling the expansion."

****

"We have to bust through that door to get to the observatory and get Peter out of there!" Gamora shouted

"Ego would have won Peter over to his side already. You could potentially be forced to fight your friend. I'm sorry everyone but Ego's too powerful." Mantis lamented

"We can't just give up and allow Ego to destroy thousands of planets across multiple galaxies. There has to be some kind of weakness we can exploit." Gamora replied

"I have an idea but it's going to require me entering that escape pod outside the palace. It came from the TIE Fighter that was spying on us earlier. Before I do that here's a data pad that contains the inner workings of the planet Ego. Rocket will know what to do with it." Thrawn said handing the data pad to Gamora

"How do you know Rocket's coming?" Gamora asked

"The same reason I know Mantis can be trusted...I'm very observant." Thrawn replied with a grin as he walked away

"Bye unusual Chiss man! Your plan is dumber than all of Rocket and Quill's plans put together but I hope it succeeds anyway." Drax yelled to Thrawn as he waved goodbye

"Honestly Thrawn leaving is the smart play here. Not us staying to confront a being with God-like powers." Nebula said bitterly

"We are not leaving Peter behind he's our friend." Gamora argued

"All you people do is yell and scream at each other you're not friends." Nebula retorted

Gamora hung her head in shame unable to think of a counterargument.

"You're right.... we're family. That means we leave no one behind." Drax argued

Gamora looked up at Drax with a grateful smile but Nebula shook her head annoyed. She started walking away but paused when Gamora called out to her to stay and help.

****

"Out of all my spawn only you were the one who carried my connection to the light. For the first time in my existence I'm truly not alone!" Ego shouted exuberant

Though he was surprised to see Peter pensive as if something weighed heavily on his mind.

****

Thrawn emerged from the escape pod that landed on the planet Ego after it docked with the Imperial Star Destroyer the Firedrake. Thrawn was face to face with Grand Admiral Saviit who held Contessa Valentina at blaster point. Saviit was surrounded by two dozen Death Troopers. He smirked while Thrawn stared at him stoically.

"Valentina unfortunately had nothing to do with my plan. I just needed to send a droid that looked like her after she and Eli escaped the Ravagers. That way I can monitor the battle that's about to take place above the moon. I need you to explain to me how we can get everyone that's about to fight above the moon to change their plans and fight Ego. If you are the greatest tactician of the Empire you will give me a tactical plan to save the Empire from Ego or you will be framed for the murder of Contessa Valentina." Saviit threatened as he pressed his blaster against Valentina's head

"Are you seriously going to make me be grateful that Thrawn saved my life? I despise him. More importantly are you insane Saviit? You commit treason against the Empire over some pea brained scheme to get a bunch of interdimensional space factions to attack a planet with cosmic powers?" Valentina asked incredulous

"Someone as petty with the vain ambitions you have wouldn't understand. Thrawn does though. He knows how incompetent and broken the Empire has become and that more creative ways are needed to save it from interdimensional threats. For Galaxy's sake we can barely handle pirates like Yondu, criminal syndicate bosses like Wilson Fisk and a fledgling Rebellion! Yet we squabble over Project Stardust a tactically idiotic plan for suppressing our enemies on top of the wasteful inefficient way its construction has been organized! You're a joke Valentina but not you Thrawn. Who are you going to side with? Valentina the woman that tried to sabotage your career for over a decade or me a decorated Grand Admiral who has spent years trying to find better ways to protect the Empire. The choice is yours." Saviit ranted

Thrawn frowned as he gave Saviit's offer careful consideration.

Chapter 21: Chapter 20

Summary:

Thrawn and Saviit's confrontation is interrupted by the beginning of the expansion.

"So...you claim you've always tried to fight Ego and the interdimensional anomalies that he manipulates through his Celestial powers. Yet you used those same interdimensional anomalies to cause the Mynock's erratic behavior. This allowed you to force production on Project Stardust to slow down. That's all you cared about. There's no evidence to back up your claims of patriotism for the success of the Empire. If that were the case you'd convince the Military Tribunal to find ways to weaponize the interdimensional anomalies to attack enemies of the Empire." Thrawn explained not directly addressing Saviit's ultimatum

Saviit chuckled, "Very sound and logical explanation Thrawn. The rumors about you are true. You are a brilliant mind but a fool who misses what's obviously right in front of him. No wonder Valentina and Wilson Fisk manipulated you so that you'd be thousands of miles away from New York/Lothal."

"Allegedly. I allegedly helped Wilson Fisk lure Thrawn out of New York/Lothal. Besides what the galaxy does that have to do with your crazy scheme Saviit?" Valentina interjected giving up trying to break free from Saviit's grip

"Valentina's existence is living proof the Empire doesn't care for solving problems. It only cares for status and projecting fear. Moreso the status part considering the Death Star the supposed weapon that instills fear can't even fire its weapons systems properly! Why you ask? Because Chief High Governor Tarkin and Valentina's boss Director Krennic keep fighting over control of Project Stardust! It's caused so many delays preventing the project's completion! It's been over two Dank Ferrik decades and the blasted thing isn't even finished! And yet you think the Empire is going to care about your well thought out conclusions for what's happened here?" Saviit complained glaring at Valentina with contempt

"Not entirely. You misunderstand. I lived through the failings of the Empire. I was the object of discrimination, xenophobia and resentment due to my non human nature. That's why I strove to become a Grand Admiral despite Contessa Valentina's attempts at sabotage. I understood power appealed to the average Imperial more than duty. I assumed that with the proper rank I could improve the Empire from within. Use its resources to protect as many people as possible from threats like Ego and Thanos. That goal of mine is one that's in service to the Empire despite its failings.

You are not immune to failure Saviit. You are a perfectionist. Unwilling to accept that any system has flaws but the positive outcomes can outweigh the flaws. I saw the failures of Project Stardust as a way to promote my TIE Defender Project and I see this crisis on the planet Ego and the impending aerial battle over the moon as a way to protect both the Chiss Ascendancy and the Empire from cosmic threats.

However I do such things in a collaborative environment. I prepared my highest ranking subordinate officer Commodore Faro as best as I can and I have a great working relationship with the rest of the crew on my flagships the Chimera. Can the same be said for you on your flagship Saviit? In fact I intend to save Valentina despite our dislike for one another. Despite the possibility she could get me a court martial and ruin my efforts to protect the Empire from threat.

Regardless of my personal feelings towards her she's an officer within the Empire. I made a promise to protect the Empire and to avoid utilizing any resources that could threaten the Empire. You have failed to follow this same principle Saviit. That's why I intend to stop you even though your reasoning is tempting the offer you made me is untenable. Ego was using you. He used you to get me away from him along with any other faction that could pose a threat to Peter who nominally is his son but in reality is a battery.

Saviit you simply delivered Ego his human battery by helping Ego manipulate events to where they stand now. He killed Meredith Quill by implanting a tumor in her mind. You were collaborative with a force that isn't even human. Your error in judgment is endangering the lives of hundreds of trillions of being across multiple galaxies in different dimensions." Thrawn explained

"That's precisely why I need you to find a solution to fix this!" Saviit shouted

"Easy turn yourself in or face the consequences." Thrawn threatened

"Thrawn you are outnumbered, unarmed and alone. You trying to commit suicide by resentment towards me." Valentina explained while Saviit laughed

A bright blue light engulfed the entire Star Destroyer along with the entire space outside the Star Destroyer. Thrawn knew it was Ego and he realized this was precisely what Mantis was so afraid of.

Chapter 22: Chapter 21

Summary:

Saviit places Valentina and Thrawn in a tight corner with very little chance of escape.

The wave of blue energy immediately subsided and Thrawn knew it was because of Rocket and Yondu. The battle against Ego's humanoid form was beginning but Thrawn knew the Guardians would win because Thrawn studied Ego's internal planetary working after discovering the corpses of the Chiss Skywalkers in the cave. Rocket would know the specific explosive needed to destroy the membranes that make up Ego's celestial body underneath the surface of the planet.

Valentina used the bright lights of Ego's cosmic energy to turn the tables on her attacker. She stole Saviit's blaster and held him at blaster point while Saviit called out to his troops to not fire. Saviit was laughing despite the fact Valentina held him hostage. Thrawn understood why. Beyond Valentina's control of Saviit's blaster nothing had changed. Thrawn and Valentina were surrounded by two dozen Death Troopers and many more Stormtroopers were on the bridge of the Star Destroyer as reinforcements.

"You think you've won? I assume you have those Guardians of the Galaxy morons fighting Ego. They'll be aided by Peter Quill because he discovered Ego killed his mother and he'll turn on Ego. He's half Celestial so that evens the odds in a battle. What the galaxy are you going to do help Commodore Faro and Ensign Vanto though? You think you're better than me Thrawn? You're not! What you claimed about supporting your subordinates is hyperspit! You're a Grand Admiral Thrawn! You give orders so that they are followed not as a teaching exercise! That's what the six other Imperial Grand Admirals do Thrawn! You left Commodore Faro helpless against the Sovereign, the Grysks and the Other's armada." Saviit criticized

"No. Everything I've done to this point has prepared them because Eli Vanto will use that spy droid of yours to disorient the opponent via an explosion. I trust Vanto with my life literally. That's how much respect I have for him because I'm standing here before you...unarmed. My life depends on Eli's ingenuity to discover the Valentina that he is with is a droid.

Karyn Faro will use that disorientation to her advantage. Her strength isn't in tactics but improvisational strategy. That is a skill perfect for a Task Force Admiral and there are only 42 of those throughout the entire Empire. My recent aloof demeanor after spending two years coaching her through the Socratic method was designed to cultivate this skill set so she can handle the battle without me. I care about my subordinates and trust them. You see your subordinates as chess pieces." Thrawn replied cooly

"Gambling with your life is foolish especially when there are no witnesses to explain what really happened here. A mutiny led by Valentina who manipulated you to assist her with it Thrawn. She was filled with so much spite towards me. She ordered my 2nd fleet to wipe out Thrawn's 7th fleet as soon as they achieved victory against the interdimensional armada wiping out the enemy fleet entirely. Thrawn's 7th fleet died heroes betrayed by Valentina and Thrawn who committed treason against the Empire. I presume you have a planned time table of...1 hour before the Other's forces are destroyed and the Sovereign flee like cowards." Saviit said with a smirk

Thrawn stared at him with a mixture of revulsion and pity. He understood why Saviit wanted to circumvent the Imperial bureaucracy but his methods for doing so and to cover it up were abhorrent. Saviit was planning on killing over a thousand Imperial military officers and another 500 Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet officers to cover up his misguided actions.

"Saviit you are worse than a traitor. You're pure garbage. You are murdering Imperial military officers on purpose because you're too chicken crap to turn yourself in for your crimes. I screwed up. I failed to realize Bucky Barnes was spying against the Empire and he was my assistant! I didn't murder Imperial citizens to cover that up. My job is to protect Imperial citizens it's why I signed up for this. Did Ego put a tumor in your brain that made you a coward and an idiot at the same time?" Valentina challenged pressing the blaster pistol against Saviit's forehead

"You've been engaged in many side dealings on behalf of Ego with not just the Ravagers but with criminal syndicates who are not sanctioned informants or assets. That's against Imperial military code. These acts have taken place in large population centers all across the Empire including New York/Lothal. You launching your troops against mine is an act of desperation that cannot completely cover up your illicit actions." Thrawn warned

"Please. I've got many connections throughout the Empire. I'm the oldest Grand Admiral and the one that's conducted the most successful missions against pirates, syndicates and Rebels. You've only been a Grand Admiral for two years. You weren't even born in the Empire nor did you fight in the Clone Wars like me and Valentina have. You're naive and ignorant of politics. At the end of the day that's what it comes down to in the Empire. Politics. Launch our ships at the 7th fleet as soon as the battle on the moon concludes." Saviit ordered shoving Valentina to the ground

She held up Saviit's blaster in vain as the Death Troopers aimed their blasters at her.

"Sir. I've heard everything through the intercom system and in good conscience I cannot order our forces to attack the 7th Fleet. These brave men and women serving Grand Admiral Thrawn are risking their lives fighting an interdimensional warlord called the Other who wants to attack the people of the Empire. It's treasonous to even think about such a thing let alone order someone to do it." Captain Palleon argued

Saviit laughed again, "I'm sorry Captain Palleon! It's Captain right? That's your rank right? Not Grand Admiral Palleon? So if that's the case then why the dank ferrik are you refusing to follow a direct order from a superior officer? That's insubordination you fool! I will not tolerate insubordination from the personnel in my 2nd fleet. I'm the one who gives the orders not you. So in 39 minutes you will launch our ships and target the 7th fleet because they led a mutiny against our forces!"

There was a long silence before Captain Palleon sighed and said, "Yes sir."

Valentina stared at a self satisfied Saviit grinning while Thrawn narrowed his eyes thinking through his options to get out of this mess.

Chapter 23: Chapter 22

Summary:

Thrawn and Saviit's confrontation reaches it's breaking point.

"See everyone I told you Thrawn would resolve the current crisis. Thanks to his strategic foresight Ego the Living Planet is destroyed. His bold decision to work with the interdimensional outsiders the Guardians of the Galaxy paid off. His seventh fleet performed flawlessly against the interdimensional armada led by the Other. In fact his relationship with the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet helped in this endeavor along with placing former Imperial officer Eli Vanto in that Defense Fleet. Now Thrawn has two options. Surrender and I'll kill Valentina. Allowing me to blame her for the events that transpired that allowed Ego to threaten everyone. Or I'll kill you and Valentina and blame the two of you." Grand Admiral Saviit threatened

"Your ultimatum is toothless Saviit. I suggest you surrender to Captain Palleon and perhaps you'll avoid execution for treason. Considering your motivations were about the long term health of the Imperial military's ability to enforce the Emperor's will you may get a long prison sentence with favorable conditions such as serving that sentence while under house arrest." Thrawn suggested

Saviit scoffed, "You have no leverage to make such demands. My 2nd fleet will arrive any moment now to attack your 7th fleet for an attempted mutiny against me. You and Valentina are the ringleaders and she'll die while you will face severe punishment for treason. Unless you destroy my 2nd fleet in self defense but no one in the Empire will see this act as defensive. It'll be seen as a treasonous act by you! You'll have to beg the Emperor to get house arrest unless you surrender to me!"

"Give me a break with this hyperspit Saviit. You backed yourself into a corner where you're going to murder Imperial military personnel. And for what?" Valentina criticized pointing a finger at Saviit

"Sir our forces have surrounded the 7th fleet. They gave a warning to Commodore Faro but she refused. I have unfortunately given them the order to attack." Captain Palleon announced over the Firedrake's intercom system

"There's nothing unfortunate about following orders. Thrawn's foolish pride at deciding to surrender is why his fleet will be destroyed." Saviit replied to a remorseful Palleon

"You're clearly projecting when accusing Thrawn of foolish pride Saviit!" Valentina objected

"Don't worry Valentina. I'll let you have a chance to witness Thrawn's failure since that's what you've wanted more than anything. That's why you and Fisk lured him out of New York/Lothal in the first place. However once his fleet is destroyed you'll be executed by me for siding with Thrawn over me. My ship my rules." Saviit taunted

Valentina rolled her eyes and folded her arms disinterested in arguing with Saviit more. Saviit however realized that the airships in his fleet missed their targets. Thrawn's airships perfectly dodged every firing sequence which astounded Saviit.

"This is impossible! You can only decipher an opponents strategies by examining their art. I allowed your personal assassin Ruhk to steal my painting Rabbit in a Snowstorm from Fisk's mercenaries on purpose! I don't have art that's of personal value to me. My collection of art is merely made of gifts from important figures in the Empire. Nothing connected to family or close friends. I did that to trick you into thinking you could defeat my forces in aerial combat! How in the galaxy are you airships defeating mine?"

"Easy. Your niece performed music you taught her at the event where the painting Rabbit in the Snowstorm was displayed. It's not just art that allows me to decipher an opponent though it's the most effective method for me...music is also how I decipher my opponent. I left Commodore Faro detailed instructions in case an Imperial fleet decided to attack her. She's following my instructions to the letter so that you'll be defeated and the number of casualties in this confrontation will be zero. That means no one in the Empire will die and your plan will fail." Thrawn replied

"I still control everything that happens on my airship the Firedrake! You're still unarmed and outnumbered Thrawn! You've accomplished nothing! Say goodbye to Contessa Valentina." Saviit said aiming his blaster at Valentina

Nebula removed her Death Trooper helmet and fired her stun blaster at half of the other Death Troopers in seconds before they could react. She dodged the blaster bolts from the other half of Death Troopers though some of them hit her body with blaster rifle shots. Fortunately for Nebula those shots hit her cybernetic limbs. Grand Admiral Saviit stood frozen in shock at the unexpected appearance of Nebula. Nebula upon defeating her opponents groaned in pain as her cybernetics reset themselves so her limbs were aligned properly.

"How else do you think I determined the Guardians of the Galaxy can be trusted? Eli Vanto was entrusted with this music device called a Zune from Yondu when they escaped captivity by the Ravager with the ridiculous name known as Taserface. Eli snuck the Zune into Valentina's pocket before you replaced her with a droid disguised as her. Yondu's possession of a music playlist on the Zune just like the one Peter Quill got from his mother on his walkman proved that both the Guardians and Yondu could be trusted in my strategy to stop you. The song Father and Son by Cat Stevens on Yondu's soundtrack is what made all of this clear to me." Thrawn finished explaining with a smirk

"What kind of idiot calls themselves Taserface?" Valentina wondered aloud

Saviit begrudgingly surrendered while Nebula held him at blaster point while all of the Death Troopers remained unconscious.

"You knew this interdimensional outsider was going to help you? You were so confident of this you walked into a dangerous situation unarmed? You gonna start a casino in Las Vegas Thrawn?" Valentina asked startled when she pulled Yondu's Zune out of her pocket

"It's not gambling when it's deduction combined with statistical probabilities. Though in the case of Nebula both of us detest Thanos and she believes I increase the odds that Thanos will fail to subjugate the Empire, the Chiss Ascendancy and the rest of her galaxy. Seeing him defeated is her chief motivation." Thrawn explained

"In simpler terms. I scuffing hope Thanos suffers excruciating pain while he's defeated just like what's about to happen to this Imperial." Nebula added before kicking Saviit in the chest

Saviit yelped in pain clutching his chest and Valentina was given handcuffs by a relieved Captain Palleon who allowed her to cuff Saviit. Saviit's immaculate white Grand Admiral's uniform with gold trim was damaged slightly due to Nebula's attack his breathing shallow with some wheezing.

"Was that really necessary?" Thrawn asked as Stormtroopers under Palleon's orders led Saviit to a holding cell on the ship

"What? You said you wanted him and anyone who obeys his orders alive...well he's alive." Nebula said shrugging her shoulders

"I'm still stuck on the fact a Ravager would choose the name Taserface." Valentina said aloud

Chapter 24: Chapter 23

Summary:

Thrawn says goodbye to the Guardians.

"Thank you for your help Grand Admiral Thrawn. It was fortunate you were around to expose Grand Admiral Saviit's treachery when you did. I spoke with the Imperial Military Tribunal and I will be head of the 2nd Fleet until Admiral Sharon Carter's preparations for her promotion to become Grand Admiral are complete. I believe you served under her as a Lieutenant upon graduation at the Academy. Funny how certain individuals keep popping up in your social circles Grand Admiral Thrawn." Captain Palleon replied with a wink

"Are you honestly going to attend a funeral for that pirate Yondu? You go to that funeral and I'll definitely put everything in my report that indicates you are a rogue officer just like Saviit. Granted your plans aren't insane like Saviit's but they are ego centric. Ego centric in a way that makes you the king of your little fiefdom called the 7th fleet. That's not how it works in the Empire. The Emperor is the main character of the story and their no spinoffs centered around Chiss Admiral's that are smart but at the same time don't have a clue." Valentina said confronting

"What do you think I'm unaware of Valentina? The fact that your ambition backfired resulting in your promotion and stagnation of your career or that the Emperor cultivates these petty rivalries amongst members of the Imperial hierarchy out of a desire for social darwinistic entertainment?" Thrawn asked

"You're unaware that the Empire is a machine that doesn't care if you've improved it and thinks gratitude towards you is a delusion." Valentina replied coldly before walking away

Valentina entered a separate shuttle that would escort her to Thrawn's ship the Chimera while Thrawn was gifted Saviit's personal shuttle. Saviit had no need of it since he was escorted by an ISB vessel back to London Coruscant to await a court martial for his crimes against the Empire. Thrawn arrived on the Guardians airship alone as Nebula and Thrawn parted ways. Nebula took Yondu's airship off Ego before he was destroyed by Yondu and the Guardians. The ship's cloaking abilities allowed her to sneak aboard Saviit's vessel to help Thrawn. Now Nebula intended to use it to complete her personal vendetta against Thanos.

Thrawn arrived on the Benatar after Gamora allowed his shuttle to dock in the hangar. Thrawn apologized to Gamora for not being able to convince Nebula to stay with the Guardians. Gamora nodded understanding her sister's unresolved anger. She led Thrawn to the group where Peter stood over an open casket that contained Yondu's body. Thrawn heard about Yondu's sacrifice to save Peter's life as the planet Ego exploded. Inside the casket where items of Yondu's that had sentimental value. Candles placed on the edge of the casket were light as the countdown to the Ravager ceremony known as the eternal flame. Yondu was receiving the greatest honor for a deceased Ravager due to his contribution to the destruction of Ego. Peter began to speak struggling not to cry.

"I told Gamora that when I was a kid I used to pretend that David Hasselhoff was my dad. He's a famous singer and actor from Earth," Peter said quickly to a confused Rocket, Groot, Mantis and Drax before continuing, "Yondu didn't have a talking car like Knight Rider but he did have a flying arrow. Both Yondu and David Hasselhoff went on cool adventures and hooked up with hot women."

Kraglin looked up confused while Gamora was moved to tears however Thrawn remained stoic. He was secretly hoping Peter would hurry this along because he had matters of greater importance to attend to.

"At the end of the day Yondu wasn't perfect but he was a really cool dad. What I'm trying to say is that sometimes that thing you're searching for your whole life...is right by your side all along. That's what Yondu was in my life." Peter finished tears running down his face

All the Ravagers came thanks to Rocket spreading the message about Yondu's sacrifice. They arrived to see Yondu's body go through the eternal flame and led by Stakar they did a traditional Ravager salute to honor him. Each Ravager clans starship led by Stakar's ship flashed multi-colored lights while each person on the ship did the Ravager salute. Kraglin cheered as he proudly did the Ravager salute in honor of his fallen friend grateful Yondu was getting a true Ravager funeral with full honors despite his past breaking of the code.

Thrawn gave Yondu's Zune with the awesome music playlist volume 2 that he made for Peter to replace the playlist Meredith Quill made that Ego destroyed. He smiled briefly as Peter gave Thrawn a tearful silent huh of gratitude. Then he watched as Drax told Mantis you're beautiful in your own way just like those multi colored lights on the Ravager ships. Mantis smiled in gratitude and she returned to stare at the lights in awe. Drax gently patted the young Groot who was yawning so he'd fall asleep. The last image he saw was a tearful Rocket apology to Quill which he accepted while he and Gamora held hands staring at the lights.

"Hopefully our actions against Ego will serve as the preparations we need for a much greater threat Gamora." Thrawn said in the language of the Zen Whoberi the planet Gamora was from

He was near the exit of the Benatar's bridge his back turned to Gamora.

"There's a tiny chance we can defeat my father but only a tiny chance. A confrontation with Thanos is inevitable." Gamora whispered softly in her native tongue

"That's better than zero chance. I'll have to work with those odds in order to protect the Chiss Ascendancy from his wrath. Thank you and goodbye." Thrawn replied

"I hope my father fails in his goal so that your people are spared Thrawn. Goodbye." Gamora whispered as Thrawn left

He heard Gamora lie to Peter saying she was memorizing a poem that her mother taught her when she was young. Thrawn entered the shuttle his hand shaking realizing Thanos was going to act in a more aggressive fashion. He needed to ensure a proper plan was in place to deal with him once the the Rebellion on New York/Lothal was defeated by him and his forces.

Chapter 25: Chapter 24

Summary:

Thrawn says his goodbyes to Eli Vanto and Admiral Ar'alani before beginning preparations for his return to New York/Lothal to stop the Rebellion lead by the Rebel Defenders.

"How the galaxy is Valentina going to file that biased report against you citing protocol violations when you saved her life?" Commodore Faro shouted

Grand Admiral Thrawn was momentarily taken aback by Faro's outburst. However he granted her latitude because of the perilous ordeal she suffered. Faro needed to utilize all of her training from Thrawn and some ingenuity from Eli Vanto and support from Admiral Ar'alani to defeat the Other, the Grysks and the Sovereign in aerial space combat. Then after that harrowing ordeal she needed to follow specific instructions from Thrawn that she thought she'd never have to use to outmaneuver the former Grand Admiral Saviit's 2nd fleet. Saviit aimed to use the 2nd fleet to frame Thrawn for staging a mutiny to cover up his crimes. Thanks to Thrawn's tactical brilliance the 2nd fleet was stuck in compromising positions that prevented them firing their weapons systems due to the lack of spacing in the battle area. Thrawn was able to win the battle without causing a single casualty despite not being present for the battle on the Chimera. Faro never thought in her wildest dreams she'd be fighting other Imperials. She never wanted to go through such a terrifying ordeal ever again.

"I understand your frustration Commodore but due to an arrangement I made with her assistant Mel that report will have some amendments to it. That way we'll still be able to finish our campaign against the Rebels on New York/Lothal without much delay from the Imperial Military Tribunal." Thrawn explained attempting to comfort Faro

Faro was still furious at Valentina wanting to shout at her a mountain of insults about her childish pettiness towards Thrawn. Instead she continued to advocate for Thrawn when she continued to speak to him.

"Sir I apologize for my outburst. I just can't believe why the Imperial Military Tribunal will be given a report of criticism regarding your actions. Yes Valentina's report won't be as harsh as it originally was written but you should be given a commendation from her not a report. You saved the Empire from a cosmic being called Ego that created his own planet and trained me to defeat the top lieutenant in a interdimensional warlord's powerful inner circle known as the Dark Order. Your tactical brilliance saved tens of billions of lives within the Empire. Yet you're getting reprimanded...none of this is fair. It's a joke!" Faro finished ranting struggling to keep calm

"Yes you do make good points but as I've said I made an arrangement with Valentina and Mel so we can move on to more urgent matters. As your commanding officer I order you to put this matter behind you. Instead focus on future opportunities that you can take advantage of to improve the Empire from within." Grand Admiral ordered with a smile

"Sir what are you saying? Why are you smiling?" Commodore Faro asked

Thrawn presented Faro with a data pad still smiling and said, "Congratulations Admiral Faro of Task Force Fleet 42."

Faro looked at the data pad and tears formed in her eyes as her mouth opened in amazement at what she read. It was a commendation for service to the Empire along with an official recommendation by Grand Admiral Thrawn to be promoted to a Task Force Admiral assigned to Task Force Fleet 42. One of 42 Task Force Admiral's in the entire Imperial military.

"Thank you sir. I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me. I will do you and the Empire proud." Commodore Faro said maintaining her professionalism despite her excitement at the news

"I know you will. I literally bet my life on it when I confronted Saviit." Thrawn dryly noted but with unusual warmth and gentleness

Faro smiled and then listened closely to Thrawn's next set of instructions. Thrawn encouraged Faro to make preparations for the 7th fleet to take an alternate route back to New York/Lothal. Once the Rebellion in the city is defeated, Fisk transitioned out of a non military support asset role and order restored would be the exact tine for Faro to leave and begin her new position as a Task Force Admiral. Faro eagerly carried out these orders going to the senior officers below her in rank to ensure preparations to return to New York/Lothal were taking place.

Thrawn excused himself to speak to Admiral Ar'alani before she returned through the now stable interdimensional anomaly back to her dimension. He beckoned Eli to join them in conversation. Eli startled reluctantly joined them as he was relieved to no longer to be talking to Mel, Valentina's assistant.

"Sir why is Mel joining us and Admiral Ar'alani in the dimension where the Chiss Ascendancy is located. I don't think she can be trusted sir. She reluctantly followed Faro's orders despite them being issued during a crisis. On top of this Mel dislike for anyone from outside the dimension the Empire is located is more fanatical in this way than your average Imperial." Eli explained

"Well Commander Vanto I trust your intuition and ability to read people. These skills made us an effective team in the past and it was these precise skills that I relied upon when I confronted Saviit unarmed. I knew Saviit's plan to send a droid disguised as Valentina would fail to deceive you. Impressive work by you to weaponize the droid to create an explosion that disoriented the Other's fleet. That gave Admiral Ar'alani a window to be more aggressive with her fleet's maneuvers in order to support Commodore Faro's fleet." Thrawn complimented

"Are you serious? I'm not an Ensign or a Lieutenant? I'm a Commander now? Thank you Admiral Ar'alani. Thank you Grand Admiral Thrawn." Eli replied stunned but grateful

"You can call me Thrawn. You helped me acclimate to Imperial culture in order to further my mission. You've always supported me in my endeavors even when it was inconvenient to you. I will always appreciate that old friend."

"Sure thing. Thrawn. I'm just relieved I wasn't being discarded like a junk airship. That you do remember our friendship." Eli replied with a smile

"Commander Vanto your data analysis skills in addition to your ingenuity is needed for us to work with the Chiss Skywalker navigators in order to locate the Infinity Stones. The data I have that you are sorting through isn't busy work. The purgill migration patterns and the energy exhaust that they expel isn't what you're looking at. Well not exactly. You are looking at how Chiss Skywalkers use their Second Sight abilities to visualize purgill energy exhaust so that they map out navigational patterns for the Chiss to use to travel."

Eli's eyes widened as he gained greater clarity on Admiral Ar'alani's thinking. The Chiss didn't use the Andromeda Galaxy jump point network for travel because of security reasons. Not because they viewed themselves as better than the other species in the Andromeda Galaxy. It was due to the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet's ability to get to places faster than Thanos restricting his ability to find the Infinity Stones. The Chiss Skywalker's in conjunction to a lesser degree with the Nova Corps slowed down Thanos's progress to attain greater power. In hindsight Eli realized these data points indicated a data related to a small energy anomaly somewhere in the far corner of the Andromeda Galaxy. The same energy anomaly that was emitting from the Power Stone when the Guardians of the Galaxy gave that Stone to the Nova Corps for safety three months ago.

"You Commander Vanto are key to our ability to stop Thanos from gaining possession of all the Infinity Stones. I'm counting on you to successfully complete this important mission." Admiral Ar'alani said with a stern look on her face

"Yes Admiral," Eli said before turning to Thrawn, "I'm sorry for doubting you and thinking you forgot about our friendship Thrawn. I'm grateful that we learned from each other. The way you treat the officers of your crew on the 7th fleet is proof you've grown more comfortable working with people in the Empire."

"The same could be said about your confidence. You've grown quite a great deal in that area. Your dissatisfaction with what you thought was busy work is proof of that." Thrawn replied before shaking Eli's hand as a sign of farewell

Ar'alani gestured for Eli to go and Ar'alani spoke in a worried whisper to Thrawn.

"I'm worried about you. You've been gone too long and the Chiss Ascendancy royal families are losing faith in your mission. It's been over a decade since you left us Thrawn and you are no closer to gaining assurances from the Emperor about his commitment to stopping Thanos."

Thrawn frowned, "The Emperor has his personal enforcer Lord Vader searching for the Infinity Stones and he possesses a Stone as well. He uses this stone to cultivate his image before the masses within the Empire that revere him. That means the Emperor has the Reality Stone. A confrontation between the Emperor and Thanos is inevitable."

"Which is the problem my old friend. The Emperor Palpatine is becoming more paranoid. I've only seen Holo videos of him in my brief time in your dimension but he will question your loyalty to him. I can tell he keeps everyone he trusts on a short leash including you Thrawn. There will be other challenges that will make it difficult for you to be loyal to the Ascendancy and to the Empire at the same time. If you aren't careful the Emperor will execute you for treason. Perhaps you leave with Vanto and I now. For if you don't it may be years before you'll have a window to leave the Empire and that's assuming you won't die before then." Admiral Ar'alani warned

"Such fears you possess have a small chance of coming true. However with both a Rebellion and Thanos to deal with I am still an invaluable resource for the Emperor Palpatine to neutralize these threats. There is still time for me to play both sides between the Empire and the Ascendancy so that Thanos doesn't complete his grand design. I'm willing to face the Emperor's wrath to ensure both his Empire and our people within Chiss space aren't casualties to Thanos's conquest." Thrawn argued

Admiral Ar'alani gave Thrawn an emotional hug before bidding him farewell. Unbeknownst to both of them Mel eyes flashed green momentarily due to being a Skrull. The sole survivor of Gravik's faction named Raldia and a herald for her mother Veranke the leader of another Skrull faction that had been hiding out in Chiss space awaiting word from Gravik who died due to being outwitted by Thrawn 2 years ago. However Mel failed to realize that Thrawn placed Eli in the Chiss Ascendancy Defense Fleet in anticipation of survivors of Gravik's war against the Empire seeking to infiltrate the Chiss Ascendancy.

The real Mel discovered Saviit's collaboration with Ego months ago and was locked in away inside a London Coruscant hangar bay. Watched over by a droid programmed to serve Saviit the real Mel had been kept prisoner. Thrawn provided Contessa Valentina with the proper clearance key to free Mel in exchange for Valentina removing any bias against Thrawn in her report. Valentina surprised that Thrawn didn't attempt to negotiate for a report that was filled with praise for himself agreed. She knew even a non biased report made Thrawn look bad. Especially since the Mynock infestation wasn't eradicated just reduced in severity due to Saviit no longer able to increase the severity of the infestation.

Thrawn stared wistfully out his viewport as Admiral Ar'alani, Eli and the rest of her fleet departed. Thrawn was sad that his people were gone and Ar'alani's words that he may never return to Chiss space echoed in his mind. His emotional state was subsided by reminding himself preparations to return to New York/Lothal still needed to be made. Daredevil, Hera Syndulla and the other Rebels in that city needed to be dealt with. Once they were defeated Thrawn knew he'd be able to convince the Imperial military to focus their collective firepower on Thanos. His TIE Defender Elite airships being developed in New York/Lothal would prove useful in the upcoming war against Thanos because Thrawn knew Thanos would now challenge the Empire directly.

****

Thanos got up from his throne infuriated by the news from Ebony Maw that the Other was defeated and killed. The Grysks were growing impatient and questioning their alliance with Thanos. Thanos had no care for such matters and he ordered Ebony Maw to find ways to convince the Grysks to trust him. Thanos approached his vault opening it using his biometric key which was activated by his hand print on a scanner. Once inside the vault his feet on a platform a trap door opened and a stand rose from beneath the floor. On top of the stand was the Infinity Gauntlet which would house each of the six Infinity Stones once completed. He grabbed the Infinity Gauntlet and placed it on his right hand.

Thanos sighed before saying, "Fine... I'll do it myself."

Chapter 26: Epilogue

Summary:

Thrawn and Emperor Palpatine have an important conversation.

Emperor Palpatine wondered if Thrawn was a loyal high ranking Imperial officer or a traitor? It was a question he pondered about in recent months. He hoped this conversation with Grand Admiral Thrawn would provide clarity on the matter. Inside his palace on London Coruscant Grand Admiral Thrawn appeared on his Holo Net display.

"So," he said. "Grand Admiral Saviit is a traitor."

"Yes Your Excellency. Saviit was using the cosmic Celestial known as Ego to over stimulate interdimensional anomalies to sabotage Project Stardust from within. Ego was using Saviit to cause a cosmic energy disaster that would have destroyed countless worlds. Saviit underestimated Ego's power and tried to cover up his mistake." Thrawn explained

"In summation Saviit believed he was serving the Empire," the Emperor added, "while merely serving himself. That is something I cannot tolerate within my Empire."

"As you should Your Excellency." Thrawn said

The Emperor frowned his eyes bore into Thrawn's and he noticed the edges of Thrawn's face tighten. The Emperor continued.

"And what of you, Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo?" the Emperor demanded. "What of you and the Chiss? Tell me how that is not similar to Grand Admiral Saviit's actions?"

"It is not at all similar, Your Excellency." Thrawn replied

His voice was calm, but the Emperor could see the lines of tension around his eyes and mouth harden more. Thrawn was walking dangerous ground, and he was fully aware of it.

"Admiral Ar'alani's force arrived in the Empire's dimension without my permission or knowledge. Their presence was connected to Saviit's alliance with Ego. They attempted to stop such an alliance because of the unstable nature of the cosmic energy Ego possesses. Thanos was using these events to secretly enter our dimension via his top lieutenant the Other. He seeks the Infinity Stones."

"Yes, Lord Vader has already spoken to me about Thanos's alliance with the Grysks," the Emperor said. "He tells me the threat is distant. He also tells me the danger is primarily against your Chiss Ascendancy."

"Lord Vader's assessment is correct," Thrawn said. "But I respectfully submit that it is also incomplete. Thanos alliance with the Grysks is another danger due to their abilities which are more potent than the deceased Imperial experiment Kilgrave. These beings will cause so much chaos we won't be able to spare any resources to deal with Thanos's massive fleet." Thrawn said

"Your dismissal of Project Stardust is disappointing. Unless you are pretending to doubt it's effectiveness so you can take control of for yourself and your people. Your brilliant mind probably has discovered ways it can be utilized to suit your own purposes." The Emperor accused

"I do not seek Stardust for the Chiss," Thrawn assured him. "Indeed, I would fight with all my skill and strength to make sure that did not happen."

"Would you?" the Emperor countered. "Your loyalty is in question,

"My loyalty remains firm, Your Excellency," Thrawn said. "There is no conflict with my service to the Empire and my recent cooperation with the Chiss."

"You made the same statement and claim to Lord Vader when you two fought Gravik's rogue Skrulls," the Emperor said. "I wonder perhaps if that excuse is wearing thin."

"If you wish to remove me from my rank and position, that is of course your right," Thrawn said, his voice now showing the same strain that was evident in his face.
"But I continue to maintain my commitment and loyalty to you and to the Empire."

For a long moment, the Emperor gazed into those glowing red eyes. Thrawn was a useful and formidable servant. But he would make an equally formidable enemy. And a servant with divided loyalties was no servant at all. There was an even more intriguing question, however. If the Chiss also recognized that fact, and if Thrawn was seen as a liability by the figures in Chiss society that Thrawn answered to then that changed things.

Perhaps Thrawn was pointing in the right direction. Perhaps an alliance between the Empire and the Chiss Ascendancy was what the future held. With himself, the Emperor, in command of both. It was an intriguing thought. Perhaps Thrawn could be made an even more valuable servant. If he committed treason against the Empire, he would surely die. If he was loyal to the Empire, perhaps he could be persuaded or manipulated into treason against the Ascendancy. Another intriguing thought. One that would require additional meditation.

But for now there were other more urgent matters to deal with. Daredevil, Jessica Jones and those vigilantes called Defenders along with the New York/Lothal Rebels led by Hera Syndulla needed to be dealt with...and then there was the matter of the young Jedi Ezra Bridger...

"We will speak of your split loyalties another time," the Emperor said to Thrawn. "I'm sending you instructions on a chamber I wish for you to construct aboard the Chimera. After you reach New York/Lothal, and put down the Rebel Defender activity, you will bring Ezra Bridger to that chamber."

The Emperor smiled. "I'm sure you'll find a way to persuade him to join you."

"I will endeavor to do so, Your Excellency," Thrawn promised.

"Then I leave you to your duties," the Emperor said.

"And Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo?" the Emperor added in a soft voice

"Yes, Your Excellency?"

"When the business in New York/Lothal is finished you will return to London Coruscant. Where you and I will have a very very long conversation." The Emperor finished with agitation in his voice

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Thrawn in the MCU